Overview

The first reconstruction of the architecture of ancient Alexandria and Egypt, long believed lost beyond recovery This masterful history of the monumental architecture of Alexandria, as well as of the rest of Egypt, encompasses an entire millennium—from the city’s founding by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C. to the years just after the Islamic conquest of A.D. 642. Long considered lost beyond recall, the architecture of ancient Alexandria has until now remained mysterious. But here Judith McKenzie shows that it is indeed possible to reconstruct the city and many of its buildings by means of meticulous exploration of archaeological remains, written sources, and an array of other fragmentary evidence. The book approaches its subject at the macro- and the micro-level: from city-planning, building types, and designs to architectural style. It addresses the interaction between the imported Greek and native Egyptian traditions; the relations between the architecture of Alexandria and the other cities and towns of Egypt as well as the wider Mediterranean world; and Alexandria’s previously unrecognized role as a major source of architectural innovation and artistic influence. Lavishly illustrated with new plans of the city in the Ptolemaic, Roman, and Byzantine periods; reconstruction drawings; and photographs, the book brings to life the ancient city and uncovers the true extent of its architectural legacy in the Mediterranean world.

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9780300170948

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Reviews

This book should be an absolute 'must-read' for someone visiting Alexandria, but also for the visitor to other parts of Egypt: the great Ptolemaic temples. . . the many Coptic churches, monasteries and even the early mosques. --Ancient Egypt * Ancient Egypt * . . . a detailed examination of the distinctive contribution that Alexandria made to the arts of Egypt and of the Eastern Mediterranean. . . . McKenzie has provided a landmark work of enduring value that mixes erudition with clarity. --Ross Burns, Levant -- Ross Burns * Levant * McKenzie [brings] together a huge body of material, much of it previously difficult to access, and [presents] it all in a single, authoritative volume. . . . an essential resource for research into Hellenistic, Roman and late antique architecture. --Ruth Westgate, Journal of Hellenic Studies -- Ruth Westgate * Journal of Hellenic Studies * This work will be a vital resource for anyone undertaking research on the city; yet the clarity and engaging tone of the prose make it thoroughly accessible to nonspecialists and lay readers as well. -- James R. Wiseman Book Award 2010 citation, Archaeological Institute of America -- James R. Wiseman Book Award * Archaeological Institute of America * Outstanding. . . and beautifully written. . . . This is a book that all those interested in the art and architecture of the eastern Mediterranean, Pompeian wall-paintings, Ancient Egypt, and indeed Islamic architecture should study and learn from. --Andrew Selkirk, Current World Archaeology -- Andrew Selkirk * Current World Archaeology * . . . a richly textured presentation. . . . [The book] will likely be the first place to which anyone interested in the architecture of post-pharaonic Egypt will turn for many years to come. --Hector Williams, Egyptian Archaeology -- Hector Williams * Egyptian Archaeology *

'The architecture of ancient Alexandria is rediscovered in this masterful feat of archaeological detective work. Lavishly illustrated, the book uncovers the true extent of the city's architectural legacy.' (Apollo) 'The appearance of a massive new study by an author distinguished already by a well received book on the architecture of Petra (1990) is a most welcome addition... this book will likely be the first place to which anyone interested in the architecture of post-pharaonic Egypt will turn for many years to come.' (Hector Williams, Egyptian Archaeology) 'McKenzie] has spent 15 years studying Alexandria and this magnificent book is the result... It is an outstanding book, and beautifully written, helpfully explaining all the background, and mercifully free from jargon... This is a book that all those interested in the art and architecture of the eastern Mediterranean, Pompeian wall-paintings, Ancient Egypt, and indeed Islamic architecture should study and learn from.' (Andrew Selkirk, Current World Archaeology)

Author Information

Judith McKenzie is member of the sub-faculty of archaeology, Oxford University.

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