Lake Mariout, Alexandria

Alexandria was built in 331 BC, between the Mediterranean sea and a lake, lake Mareotis (now Mariout). Lake Mariout was created by the formation of an offshore bar that closed the mouth of the gulf. Extending 100 km east to west, it was linked to the Nile by canals that served the vineyards and towns along its banks. According to Strabo(Greek geographer & historian), the lakeside ports were even busier than those on Alexandria's maritime coasts.


During the 19th and early 20th century, parts of the lake were converted to "salterns" that turn red, owing to the chemicals. Other parts of the lake, mainly to the south, are being used as fisheries.


Over the past few decades, land reclamation of the Lake's swampy spots gave way to the new city districts. The lake is getting smaller and smaller in front of the enormous expansion projects of a city that became crowded, yet still so romantic