Heptastadion
promontory, Alexandria, Egypt
Quick Summary
The Heptastadion was a massive breakwater that connected the island of Pharos to the mainland of Alexandria, Egypt. This structure, approximately seven stades (about 1.4 km or 0.87 miles) in length, was a significant feat of ancient engineering. It played a crucial role in shaping Alexandria's harbor, dividing it into two distinct sections. The Heptastadion was a defining feature of the city during its Hellenistic and Roman periods, contributing to Alexandria's status as a major port and center of trade and scholarship.12
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