Alexandria Library Merges Modern Technology with Ancient Relics

Originally published January 13, 2010 | CNN World | by George Webster | Features a brief history of the Library of Alexandria, both ancient and modern, the latter housing books and publications of every kind and on every subject, boasting the largest reading room in the world, and host many interesting exhibits. The current "Librarian of Alexandria" speaks of his endeavor to bring this historic institution into the digital age.

Alexander the Great Not the First at Alexandria

Originally published October 24, 2009 | DNA India

Flora and ceramics reveal that Alexander the Great might not have been the first to settle at Alexandria. The margin is by at least several hundred years. However, science isn't the most fascinating thing about this discovery, it's fiction. This is best illustrated in the following excertp:

This idea is also supported in the stories of Homer: In Book 4 of "The Odyssey," there's a mention of a one-day sail from the coast near the Nile to the nearby island of Pharos. This suggests that a port settlement of some sort was already there, according to the researchers. "Fiction is true," in this case, Berhnhardt said.

Museums in Alexandria - Zahi Hawass' Visit and Lecture

Originally published October 7, 2009 | Zahi Hawass' Blog | by Dr. Hawass

Dreaming of Cleopatra

Originally published October 1-7, 2009 | Al-Ahram Weekly Online | by Dr. Zahi Hawas

'Alexander the Sexy' Seen in New Portrait

Originally published September 17, 2009 | Discovery Channel News | by Rossella Lorenzi

The following article regards more on the gem with Alexander the Great's likeness etched into it. It's a cute little thing and definitely showcases a "sexy Alexander." It's no wonder that proceeding rulers used his image (long after his death) for their own ends. The following is an excerpt from this article:

"The engraver portrayed Alexander without omitting any of the ruler's characteristics. The emperor is shown as young and forceful, with a strong chin, straight nose and long curly hair," Ayelet Gilboa, chairman of the archaeology department at Israel's University of Haifa, told Discovery News.

The distinct facial features of the work helped the researchers identify the subject as the legendary conqueror and emperor. But there was more.

Rare Discovery: Engraved Gemstone Carrying a Portrait of Alexander the Great

Originally published September 15, 2009 | Physorg

The following is an excerpt from Physorg; click on the above link to read the full article:

A rare and surprising archaeological discovery at Tel Dor: A gemstone engraved with the portrait of Alexander the Great was uncovered during excavations by an archaeological team directed by Dr. Ayelet Gilboa of the University of Haifa and Dr. Ilan Sharon of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

This sort of intricate artwork reminds me of artwork on grains of rice. So unlike Ramesses the Great, Alexander put his image on even the tiniest of material. I'm not surprised this artifact ended up in Israel; after all, Alexander traveled to many faraway places.

Who's in the Alexander Sarcophagus?

Originally published July 1, 2009 | The Wall Street Journal | by Judith H. Dobrzynski

This article examines the history of Sidon, ancient past and somewhat recent, and the treasures it has revealed, particularly a fantastically beautiful burial chamber depicting Alexander in battle and at hunt in high-relief, which until recently had been thought to have been Alexander's resting place. Yet, there is still disagreement as to the mystery of the Alexander Sarcophagus, but not to its craftsmanship.

The article goes on to describe the composition and history of each scene depicted on all sides of the sarcophagus, which also depicts Hephaestion among other things and beings. A pictures is provided to give you an idea from where this awe is originating.

New Finds Span Time - New Discoveries in Alexandria and the Fayoum

Originally published 21 - 27 May 2009 | Al-Ahram Weekly Online | by Nevine El-Aref

Described forthwith is the most recent discovery at the Shallalat Gardens in Alexandria: a white marble statue of an athletic Alexander the Great, with a detailed account of its features from Kalliopi Limneou-Popakosta, attributing each element to different types of sculptural styles.

Giving credit to the developing importance of this site, El-Aref mentions last year's discovery: a statue of Ptolemy V and statues featuring Bacchus.

In addition, the SCA's discoveries at Al-Karn Al-Zahali Island include prehistoric hunting and medicine tools; needles and jewelry; and 25 rock-hewn tombs nearby, complete with human skeletons. These artifacts reveal the site's long history of use, which spans from prehistoric times to the Islamic era.