Alexandria was founded by Alexander III (Alexander the Great) in April 331 BC as Ἀλεξάνδρεια (Alexandria). Alexander's chief architect for the project was Dinocrates. Alexandria was intended to supersede Naucratis as a Hellenistic center in Egypt. It was designed to be the link between Greece and the rich Nile valley.

This city is most famous in antiquity as the site of the Pharos, the great lighthouse, considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Also, it is known for the Temple of Serapis, the Serapion, which was part of the legendary library in Alexandria. The city served as a seat of learning, and it was once the largest and most prosperous city in the world. It also became infamous for the religious strife which resulted in the martyrdom of the philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria in 415 CE.

Finally, the city grew from a small port town to become the grandest and most important metropolis in ancient Egypt. The founding of the city directly occurred after

Alexander the Great swept down into Egypt with his army following his complete victory over Syria. He founded Alexandria in the small port town of Rhakotis by the sea and then set about the task of turning it into a great capital.

In modern times, Alexandria has become Egypt's largest seaport, serving approximately 80% of Egypt's imports and exports. It is an important industrial center because of its natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez. Also, Alexandria is now an important tourist destination.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org