Alexandria Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

Which of these rulers did not make Alexandria their capital?

• Ptolemy I Soter
• Alexander the Great
• Cleopatra VII
• Julius Caesar

Correct Answer: Alexander the Great

Correct Answer Explanation: While Alexander the Great founded Alexandria, he never made it his capital. He was focused on conquering the Persian Empire and died in Babylon before the city truly flourished. The Ptolemies, a dynasty that arose from Alexander’s generals, made Alexandria their capital.

Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Alexandria’s lighthouse was constructed on the island of _______.

• Pharos
• Rhodos
• Delos
• Crete

Correct Answer: Pharos

Correct Answer Explanation: The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built on the island of Pharos, which was connected to the mainland by a causeway. This island was located off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt.

What event is credited with the rise of Alexandria as a major centre of Hellenic civilisation?

• The Muslim conquest of Egypt
• The Roman conquest of Egypt
• The founding of Alexandria by Alexander the Great
• The rise of the Ptolemaic dynasty

Correct Answer: The founding of Alexandria by Alexander the Great

Correct Answer Explanation: Alexandria’s foundation by Alexander the Great marked the beginning of its rise as a significant Hellenistic center. The city became a hub of Greek culture, commerce, and learning.

What year was the city of Alexandria founded?

• 331 BC
• 323 BC
• 305 BC
• 275 BC

Correct Answer: 331 BC

Correct Answer Explanation: Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC as a city that would bear his name.

What is the name of Alexandria’s main airport?

• Alexandria International Airport
• El Nouzha Airport
• Cairo International Airport
• Borg El Arab International Airport

Correct Answer: Borg El Arab International Airport

Correct Answer Explanation: Borg El Arab International Airport serves as the primary airport for Alexandria. It is located about 25 km (16 mi) from the city center. Alexandria International Airport (El Nouzha Airport) was closed to commercial operations in 2011 for expansion.

What was the name of the Egyptian settlement that Alexandria was built upon?

• Rhacotis
• Memphis
• Thebes
• Naucratis

Correct Answer: Rhacotis

Correct Answer Explanation: Alexandria was established near an Egyptian settlement called Rhacotis. This settlement grew into the Egyptian quarter of the city.

Which of these figures was NOT associated with Alexandria?

• Julius Caesar
• Cleopatra VII
• Marc Antony
• Augustus
• Genghis Khan

Correct Answer: Genghis Khan

Correct Answer Explanation: Julius Caesar, Cleopatra VII, Marc Antony, and Augustus were all involved with Alexandria in some way. Genghis Khan was a Mongol emperor who was not associated with Alexandria.

Alexandria’s Library was said to have been the largest in the ancient world. What is the name of the modern library located near its site?

• Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• The British Library
• The Library of Congress
• The National Library of Egypt

Correct Answer: Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern library built near the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria. It is a testament to the city’s enduring legacy of learning.

What ancient wonder was built on the site of the current Citadel of Qaitbay?

• The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
• The Great Pyramid of Giza
• The Lighthouse of Alexandria
• The Statue of Zeus at Olympia

Correct Answer: The Lighthouse of Alexandria

Correct Answer Explanation: The Citadel of Qaitbay was built on the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The lighthouse was destroyed by earthquakes in the 14th century.

Which of these terms refers to the Egyptian quarter of ancient Alexandria?

• Brucheum
• Rhacotis
• Jewish quarter
• The Heptastadion

Correct Answer: Rhacotis

Correct Answer Explanation: Rhacotis was the name of the Egyptian quarter of ancient Alexandria. It was absorbed into the city when Alexandria was founded.

What language were the streets in ancient Alexandria named in?

• Greek
• Latin
• Egyptian
• Arabic

Correct Answer: Greek

Correct Answer Explanation: As a Greek city, Alexandria’s street names were named in Greek. The city was a center of Hellenistic culture.

Alexandria is located in the _______ Nile Delta.

• Western
• Eastern
• Southern
• Northern

Correct Answer: Western

Correct Answer Explanation: Alexandria is located in the western Nile Delta area. It is the largest city on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt.

Which of these terms refers to the Royal or Greek quarter of ancient Alexandria?

• Brucheum
• Rhacotis
• Jewish quarter
• The Heptastadion

Correct Answer: Brucheum

Correct Answer Explanation: Brucheum was the Royal or Greek quarter of ancient Alexandria. It was the most magnificent part of the city.

Alexandria’s Catacombs, known as Kom El Shoqafa, are known for their _______ style.

• Greco-Roman
• Egyptian
• Islamic
• Byzantine

Correct Answer: Greco-Roman

Correct Answer Explanation: Kom El Shoqafa, Alexandria’s catacombs, are known for their unique Greco-Roman style. They combine Egyptian and Roman artistic elements.

What major event occurred in 641 AD?

• The founding of Alexandria
• The destruction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria
• The Muslim conquest of Egypt
• The destruction of the Library of Alexandria

Correct Answer: The Muslim conquest of Egypt

Correct Answer Explanation: The Muslim conquest of Egypt in 641 AD marked a significant turning point in Alexandria’s history. The city was captured by the Arabs and eventually lost its status as Egypt’s capital.

Which of these buildings was NOT located on the island of Pharos?

• The Heptastadion
• The Lighthouse of Alexandria
• The Royal Palaces
• The Great Theater

Correct Answer: The Great Theater

Correct Answer Explanation: The Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Heptastadion, and the Royal Palaces were all located on the island of Pharos. The Great Theater was located on the mainland near the modern Hospital Hill.

What was the name of the causeway that connected the island of Pharos to the mainland?

• The Heptastadion
• The Brucheum
• The Rhacotis
• The Eunostos

Correct Answer: The Heptastadion

Correct Answer Explanation: The Heptastadion was the causeway that linked the island of Pharos to the mainland of Alexandria.

What is the name of Alexandria’s main harbor?

• The Eastern Harbour
• The Western Harbour
• The Great Harbour
• The Port of Eunostos

Correct Answer: The Great Harbour

Correct Answer Explanation: The Great Harbour is the main harbor of Alexandria. It was located on the east of the Heptastadion.

What is the name of Alexandria’s oldest stadium?

• Alexandria Stadium
• Borg El Arab Stadium
• El Krom Stadium
• Harras El Hodoud Stadium

Correct Answer: Alexandria Stadium

Correct Answer Explanation: Alexandria Stadium is the oldest stadium in Egypt. It was built in 1929 and holds approximately 20,000 people.

Which of these religious movements was NOT a significant force in Alexandria’s history?

• Gnosticism
• Judaism
• Islam
• Buddhism

Correct Answer: Buddhism

Correct Answer Explanation: Alexandria has a rich religious history with Gnosticism, Judaism, and Islam having a major presence in the city. Buddhism, while a significant global religion, was not a major force in Alexandria’s historical development.

What was the name of the Roman triumphal column in Alexandria that is misnamed “Pompey’s Pillar?”

• The Serapeum
• The Caesareum
• The Timonium
• The Temple of Saturn

Correct Answer: The Serapeum

Correct Answer Explanation: The column commonly known as “Pompey’s Pillar” was actually erected in 293 AD for Diocletian. It was originally part of a temple colonnade in the Serapeum, a temple dedicated to the god Serapis.

Which of these historical figures did NOT have a significant impact on Alexandria?

• Alexander the Great
• Ptolemy I Soter
• Cleopatra VII
• Augustus
• Richard the Lionheart

Correct Answer: Richard the Lionheart

Correct Answer Explanation: While Richard the Lionheart was an important historical figure, he did not have a significant impact on Alexandria, which was located in Egypt. His main influence was in Europe during the Crusades.

The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, is believed to have been produced in Alexandria. What was the Greek quarter of Alexandria called?

• Rhacotis
• The Heptastadion
• The Brucheum
• The Jewish quarter

Correct Answer: The Brucheum

Correct Answer Explanation: The Brucheum was the Greek quarter of Alexandria, a thriving center of Hellenistic culture and learning. The Septuagint, a crucial translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek, is thought to have been produced in this quarter.

What is the name of the street that ran through the center of ancient Alexandria and is partially represented in modern-day Alexandria?

• The Canopic Street
• The Sema
• The Lochias
• The Navalia

Correct Answer: The Canopic Street

Correct Answer Explanation: The Canopic Street was a major thoroughfare that ran through the center of ancient Alexandria. Traces of it can still be found in modern-day Alexandria.

What is the name of the modern day street in Alexandria that roughly follows the path of the ancient Canopic Street?

• Boulevard de Rosette (now Sharae Fouad)
• Sharae Fouad
• The Ras al-Tin quarter
• The Moon Gate

Correct Answer: Boulevard de Rosette (now Sharae Fouad)

Correct Answer Explanation: The Boulevard de Rosette (now Sharae Fouad) in modern-day Alexandria is the street that closely follows the path of the ancient Canopic Street. This street is a reminder of Alexandria’s rich history.

Which of these figures is known for a failed assassination attempt on Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1954?

• Gamal Abdel Nasser
• King Farouk
• King Agrippa I
• Richard the Lionheart

Correct Answer: Gamal Abdel Nasser

Correct Answer Explanation: Gamal Abdel Nasser, the Egyptian president, was the target of a failed assassination attempt in 1954. The assassination attempt took place in Alexandria’s Mansheya Square.

What is the name of the ancient temple located in Abusir, a western suburb of Alexandria?

• The Serapeum
• The Caesareum
• The Temple of Taposiris Magna
• The Temple of Saturn

Correct Answer: The Temple of Taposiris Magna

Correct Answer Explanation: The Temple of Taposiris Magna, dedicated to the god Osiris, was located in Abusir, a western suburb of Alexandria. The temple has been the focus of archaeological investigations.

Which of these cities is NOT one of the three cities that hosted the African Cup of Nations in 2006?

• Alexandria
• Cairo
• Port Said
• Aswan

Correct Answer: Aswan

Correct Answer Explanation: Alexandria, Cairo, and Port Said were the three cities that hosted the 2006 African Cup of Nations. Aswan, while a prominent city in Egypt, was not involved in hosting the tournament.

Which of these events did NOT have a negative impact on Alexandria’s prosperity?

• The Muslim conquest of Egypt
• The Portuguese discovery of a new sea route to India
• The 1956 Suez Crisis
• The construction of the Suez Canal

Correct Answer: The construction of the Suez Canal

Correct Answer Explanation: The construction of the Suez Canal in the 19th century was actually a major boost to Alexandria’s prosperity, as it increased international trade through the city. The other events listed did have negative impacts.

What is the name of the oldest university in Alexandria?

• Alexandria University
• The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport
• Pharos University in Alexandria
• Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Alexandria University

Correct Answer Explanation: Alexandria University is the oldest university in Alexandria, established in 1942. It is a public university with a strong international reputation.

Which of these institutions is the only school in Alexandria that follows the French educational system?

• Lycée Français d’Alexandrie
• Collège Saint Marc
• École Girard
• Lycée el-Horreya

Correct Answer: Lycée Français d’Alexandrie

Correct Answer Explanation: Lycée Français d’Alexandrie is the only school in Alexandria that fully adheres to the French educational system. It is primarily frequented by the children of French expatriates and diplomats in Alexandria.

What was the name of the ancient city that was once the capital of Egypt and is now located in present-day Greater Cairo?

• Alexandria
• Memphis
• Thebes
• Naucratis

Correct Answer: Memphis

Correct Answer Explanation: Memphis was the ancient capital of Egypt and is located in present-day Greater Cairo. Alexandria replaced Memphis as the capital during the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Which of these religious groups have a claim to the ancient heritage of the Patriarchate of Alexandria?

• The Coptic Orthodox Church
• The Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria
• The Armenian Catholic Church
• All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The Coptic Orthodox Church, the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria, and the Armenian Catholic Church all lay claim to the ancient heritage of the Patriarchate of Alexandria. The Patriarchate of Alexandria was one of the major centers of Christianity in the Eastern Roman Empire.

What is the name of the modern-day mosque in Alexandria that is dedicated to a Muslim saint who was said to have performed miracles?

• Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
• Bilal mosque
• Sharq al-Madina mosque
• Al Qa’ed Ibrahim Mosque

Correct Answer: Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque

Correct Answer Explanation: Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, located in Bahary, is dedicated to the Muslim saint Imam Borhan Oddin El Aaraj, who was known for his miracles.

Which of these events led to the decline of Alexandria’s Jewish community?

• The 1948 Arab–Israeli War
• The 1956 Suez Crisis
• The 1967 Six-Day War
• All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The 1948 Arab–Israeli War, the 1956 Suez Crisis, and the 1967 Six-Day War all contributed to the decline of Alexandria’s Jewish community. These events led to a sense of anxiety and insecurity among Jews in Egypt.

What is the name of the most famous synagogue in Alexandria?

• Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue
• The Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
• The Saint Mark Cathedral
• The Temple of Taposiris Magna

Correct Answer: Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue

Correct Answer Explanation: The Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue is the most famous synagogue in Alexandria. It is a testament to the city’s diverse religious history.

What is the name of the semi-private educational institution in Alexandria that is considered the most reputable university in Egypt after the AUC?

• Alexandria University
• The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport
• Pharos University
• Université Senghor

Correct Answer: The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport

Correct Answer Explanation: The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport is a prestigious educational institution in Alexandria. It is highly regarded for its maritime and engineering programs.

Which of these streets in Alexandria is NOT associated with a foreign educational institution?

• Tariq El Horreya Street (formerly Rue Fouad)
• Sharae Fouad
• The Ras al-Tin quarter
• The Moon Gate

Correct Answer: The Moon Gate

Correct Answer Explanation: The Moon Gate is not associated with a foreign educational institution in Alexandria. The other streets listed are linked to French or English-language schools in the city.

Which of these events did NOT contribute to the movement of Europeans out of Alexandria?

• The 1956 Suez Crisis
• The nationalization of property by Nasser in 1961
• The 1967 Six-Day War
• The construction of the Aswan High Dam

Correct Answer: The construction of the Aswan High Dam

Correct Answer Explanation: While the construction of the Aswan High Dam had significant effects on Egypt, it did not directly contribute to the exodus of Europeans from Alexandria. The other events listed, like the Suez Crisis and Nasser’s nationalization policies, did lead to this exodus.

What is the name of the oldest tram system in Africa, which is located in Alexandria?

• The Alexandria Metro
• The Alexandria Tram
• The Alexandria Commuter Rail
• The Cairo Tram

Correct Answer: The Alexandria Tram

Correct Answer Explanation: The Alexandria Tram is the oldest tramway system in Africa. It was built in 1860 and is a part of the city’s public transportation network.

What is the name of the museum in Alexandria that focuses on artifacts from the city’s Greco-Roman period?

• The Alexandria National Museum
• The Graeco-Roman Museum
• The Royal Jewelry Museum
• The Cavafy Museum

Correct Answer: The Graeco-Roman Museum

Correct Answer Explanation: The Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria is dedicated to showcasing artifacts from the city’s significant Greco-Roman era.

Which of these ancient wonders is still partially intact in Alexandria?

• The Lighthouse of Alexandria
• The Great Pyramid of Giza
• The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
• The Statue of Zeus at Olympia

Correct Answer: The Great Pyramid of Giza

Correct Answer Explanation: The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only ancient wonder that is still partially intact. The Lighthouse of Alexandria and other ancient wonders have been destroyed.

What is the name of the city that Alexandria’s climate is most closely estimated to resemble by 2050?

• Cairo
• Gaza City
• Port Said
• Mersa Matruh

Correct Answer: Gaza City

Correct Answer Explanation: A 2019 climate change study predicted that Alexandria’s climate in 2050 would closely resemble the current climate of Gaza City. This is a concerning prediction because of Alexandria’s vulnerability to sea level rise.

What is the name of the ancient Greek colony that Alexandria was intended to supersede?

• Memphis
• Thebes
• Naucratis
• Rhacotis

Correct Answer: Naucratis

Correct Answer Explanation: Alexandria was meant to replace Naucratis as a major Hellenistic center in Egypt. Naucratis was an earlier Greek colony, but Alexandria grew to surpass it in importance.

In what year was the Bibliotheca Alexandrina inaugurated?

• 2000
• 2002
• 2004
• 2006

Correct Answer: 2002

Correct Answer Explanation: The Bibliotheca Alexandrina was inaugurated in 2002. This modern library is a symbol of Alexandria’s continuing dedication to knowledge and learning.

What is the name of the Egyptian village that later became the Egyptian quarter of Alexandria?

• Rhacotis
• The Brucheum
• The Heptastadion
• The Navalia

Correct Answer: Rhacotis

Correct Answer Explanation: Rhacotis was the name of the Egyptian village that became the Egyptian quarter of Alexandria. The village’s name was incorporated into the city’s name.

What is the name of the Greek city that Alexander the Great planned to build that would have surpassed Alexandria in size and importance?

• Alexandria
• Pergamon
• Antioch
• Seleucia

Correct Answer: Antioch

Correct Answer Explanation: Antioch was the Greek city that Alexander the Great planned to build. He envisioned it as a grand city that would rival Alexandria, but he never saw his plans come to fruition.

What is the name of the oldest surviving structure in Alexandria?

• “Pompey’s Pillar”
• The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
• The Royal Palaces
• The Lighthouse of Alexandria

Correct Answer: “Pompey’s Pillar”

Correct Answer Explanation: “Pompey’s Pillar”, though misnamed, is the oldest surviving structure in Alexandria. It is a Roman triumphal column that was originally part of the Serapeum.

What was the estimated population of Alexandria in the 1st century AD?

• 100,000
• 250,000
• 500,000
• 1,000,000

Correct Answer: 500,000

Correct Answer Explanation: In the 1st century AD, Alexandria was a bustling metropolis with an estimated population of 500,000. This made it one of the largest cities in the ancient world.

Which of these events led to a significant loss of the Alexandrian Library?

• The Roman Conquest of Egypt
• The Muslim conquest of Egypt
• Julius Caesar’s siege of Alexandria
• All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: All of these events contributed to the destruction or loss of parts of the Alexandrian Library. The Library faced several challenges throughout history, including fires, political instability, and war.

What is the name of the oldest surviving stadium in Egypt, which is located in Alexandria?

• Harras El Hodoud Stadium
• Alexandria Stadium
• Borg El Arab Stadium
• El Krom Stadium

Correct Answer: Alexandria Stadium

Correct Answer Explanation: Alexandria Stadium is the oldest surviving stadium in Egypt. It was built in 1929 and has been a key venue for sports in Alexandria.

Which of these organizations is most associated with the spread of Salafi movements in Egypt?

• The Coptic Orthodox Church
• The Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria
• Al-Nour Party
• The Alexandria Sporting Club

Correct Answer: Al-Nour Party

Correct Answer Explanation: Al-Nour Party is a Salafi political party in Egypt, with strong roots in Alexandria. It emerged as a major political force during the 2011–12 parliamentary elections and is associated with the spread of Salafi ideology.

What is the name of the prominent Coptic Orthodox church in Alexandria that houses the Patriarchal seat of the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church?

• The Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue
• The Saint Mark Cathedral
• The Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque
• The Temple of Taposiris Magna

Correct Answer: The Saint Mark Cathedral

Correct Answer Explanation: The Saint Mark Cathedral in Alexandria is the Patriarchal seat of the Pope of the Coptic Orthodox Church, even though the Patriarch currently resides in Cairo.

In what year did Alexandria experience a devastating tsunami that significantly damaged the city?

• 641 AD
• 365 AD
• 115 AD
• 215 AD

Correct Answer: 365 AD

Correct Answer Explanation: A devastating tsunami struck Alexandria in 365 AD, causing widespread damage and contributing to the city’s decline. The tsunami was caused by a massive earthquake in the Mediterranean Sea.

What is the name of the ancient Egyptian settlement that was built up by Alexander the Great to become Alexandria?

• Rhacotis
• Naucratis
• Memphis
• Thebes

Correct Answer: Rhacotis

Correct Answer Explanation: Rhacotis, an Egyptian settlement located on the Mediterranean coast, was chosen by Alexander the Great as the location for his new city, Alexandria. Rhacotis became a part of Alexandria.

What is the name of the region in ancient Alexandria that is associated with a well-preserved theater and Roman baths?

• The Brucheum
• Kom El Shoqafa
• Kom El Deka
• The Heptastadion

Correct Answer: Kom El Deka

Correct Answer Explanation: Kom El Deka, a site in Alexandria where significant archaeological excavations have taken place, is known for its well-preserved theater and Roman baths. The excavations are providing insights into ancient Alexandria.

What is the name of the French university that is located in Alexandria and mainly recruits students from the African continent?

• Alexandria University
• Pharos University
• Université Senghor
• The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport

Correct Answer: Université Senghor

Correct Answer Explanation: Université Senghor is a private French university in Alexandria with a focus on humanities, politics, and international relations. Its student body is primarily comprised of students from Africa.

What was the name of the Greek version of the Hebrew Bible that was produced in Alexandria?

• The Dead Sea Scrolls
• The Septuagint
• The New Testament
• The Quran

Correct Answer: The Septuagint

Correct Answer Explanation: The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible that was produced in Alexandria during the Hellenistic period. This translation was influential in spreading Jewish and Christian teachings in the Mediterranean world.

What is the name of the causeway that connected the island of Pharos to the mainland of Alexandria?

• The Heptastadion
• The Brucheum
• Rhacotis
• The Navalia

Correct Answer: The Heptastadion

Correct Answer Explanation: The Heptastadion was the causeway that connected the island of Pharos to the mainland of Alexandria. It played a crucial role in the development of the city.

Which of these events led to a major reduction in the amount of goods transported through the Alexandrian port?

• The Muslim conquest of Egypt
• The Portuguese discovery of a new sea route to India
• The 1956 Suez Crisis
• The construction of the Suez Canal

Correct Answer: The Portuguese discovery of a new sea route to India

Correct Answer Explanation: The Portuguese discovery of a new sea route to India in the late 15th century led to a decline in trade through the Alexandrian port. This resulted in a period of reduced prosperity for Alexandria.

What is the name of the canal that was built in 1820 and revived Alexandria’s importance as a port city?

• The Suez Canal
• The Mahmoudiyah Canal
• The Canopic Street
• The Heptastadion

Correct Answer: The Mahmoudiyah Canal

Correct Answer Explanation: The construction of the Mahmoudiyah Canal in 1820 helped to revive Alexandria’s importance as a port city. The canal facilitated the transport of goods and made the city a vital trade hub.

What is the name of the area in ancient Alexandria where the royal palaces were located?

• The Brucheum
• The Heptastadion
• Rhacotis
• The Lochias

Correct Answer: The Lochias

Correct Answer Explanation: The Lochias was the area in ancient Alexandria where the royal palaces were located. It was a prestigious and politically important part of the city.

Learn more