Alexandria

Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, Alexandrias unique urban, political and religious organization evolved alongside the numerous scientific innovations and philosophical expressions that shaped the city into one of the ancient worlds civilizational centres. Located at the intersection of art and history, this book revisits the former Egyptian megapolis of Alexandria with the aim of going beyond the usual depictions of the city focusing on the Greeks, the Egyptians, the Lighthouse and the Library to take a journey of discovery into an ancient city that is full of nuance. Several recent discoveries have enabled us to refine our knowledge of the lost city of Alexandria. By examining the citys multi-layered temporalities, this book echoes dominant accounts of Alexandria as a city through which successive civilisations and political formations of the past (Byzantine, Arab, Modern) have rehearsed visions of futures that are either no longer present or remain felt through Alexandrias remaining material culture and built environment. This book also features a series of contemporary artworks which develop a critical and poetic association with the themes it covers. Exhibition Schedule: BOZAR, Center for Fine Arts, Brussels : 29/09/2022 08/01/2023 MUCEM, Muse des Civilisations de lEurope et de la Mditerrane, Marseille : 08/02/2022 08/05/2023