Watch Alexandria: The Greatest City

Alexandria: The Greatest City is a documentary film directed by John Mullen and premiered in 2010. The film takes us on an exploration of the city of Alexandria, in modern-day Egypt, uncovering its rich heritage, history, and culture. Bettany Hughes, a renowned historian, is our guide on this journey through the city. With her rich knowledge and deep insights, she unveils the wonders of Alexandria, taking us back to its beginnings and tracing the changes it went through over the centuries.

The film begins by exploring the founding of Alexandria by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. We learn about how Alexandria became a center of learning, with the world-renowned Library of Alexandria and the Museum that sponsored famous scholars and intellectuals like Eratosthenes, Euclid, and Archimedes.

As the film progresses, we see how Alexandria was transformed into a cosmopolitan city, with people from all corners of the world living and working there. We see how Alexandria became a central hub of commerce and trade, with the city being home to the famous Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

One of the most striking elements of the film is the way it highlights the extensive influence of the city on different aspects of life. The film explores how the city was home to famous philosophers like Plotinus and Heron and how it was a center of art, literature, and music. Through Bettany Hughes' insightful commentary and the stunning visuals, we see how Alexandria was a place where people from different backgrounds and cultures could come together and thrive.

The film also highlights the profound impact that religion had on Alexandria. We learn about the significant role that Christianity played in the city's history, with the establishment of the Catechetical School and the appointment of Clement of Alexandria as its first director. We also see how the rise of Islam changed the face of Alexandria and how it became a hub of Muslim scholarship and culture.

As the film progresses, we see how Alexandria faced immense political upheavals, invasions, and destruction, from the Roman Empire to the Arab and Ottoman conquests. Despite all these changes and challenges, however, the spirit of Alexandria continued to thrive, and the city remained a center of innovation, creativity, and intellectual pursuit.

The film concludes on a poignant note, with Bettany Hughes reflecting on the city's present-day state and what it means to the people who call it home. She shows how the city has changed over the centuries, yet the legacy of Alexandria remains, and how it is a place that continues to inspire us.

Overall, Alexandria: The Greatest City is a remarkable film that takes us on a journey through one of the most magnificent cities in history. It is a film that is both educational and captivating, offering a glimpse into the beauties and complexities of Alexandria's history and culture. With its stunning visuals and insightful commentary, the film is a must-watch for anyone interested in ancient history, art, and culture.

Alexandria: The Greatest City is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.