Alexandria Sightseeing

Gavin and I decided to do a bit of sightseeing since we had the day off. We got a bit of a late start, so we decided just to head over to the Roman Amphitheater. On our way, we noticed a bunch of people standing around an area that was roped off with caution tape. We looked up and noticed that the building was askew. On further inspection, we realized that it is sinking into the ground on one side and will eventually topple over. We also noticed that there were people IN the building looking down on us! What the hell! Also, it looked like someone had taken a backpack and dropped it between the two buildings as it was wedged between them. I got a quick pic as we were shooed away by the cops. We arrived at the amphitheater at sundown, but still managed to get a few pictures. 

Built in the 4th century AD of marble imported from Europe (probably Italy), it remained in use until about the 7th century AD, or about the time of the Arab invasion. It was discovered during the 1960s when a government building was planned for this location over the ruins of a Napoleonic fort that had earlier been destroyed. However, during excavation, the ruins of the Roman theater was found. A Polish team was responsible for its excavation. It was the first, and so far only one discovered in a city which, according to an ancient source, once had four hundred of them. It is in a general area called Kom el Dikka today, which has become the city's largest archaeological park. The area also consists of ancient Roman baths made from red bricks, an area where lectures were given, and an ancient villa. 
Currently, there are still excavations going on as we saw while we were there.

The area is surrounded by a wall as are all of the archaeological sites since you must pay an entrance fee. Gavin so kindly pointed out a bunch of brown stuff in piles around the wall. It was shit. Apparently people squat there are shit against the wall. I'm not even kidding. It was so gross, I wanted to puke! Thanks Gavin!

On a separate excursion two weeks later, I accompanied a representative from my fellowship program around Alexandria. We went to Pompey's Pillar which is the tallest monument in Alexandria standing at 25 meters and made of Aswan granite. Pompey fled to Egypt where he was murdered in 48 BC; medieval travelers later believed he must be buried here, and that the capital atop the corner served as a container for his head. In fact, the pillar was raised in honor of Diocletain at the very end of the 4th century.