‘Crumbs from the Table’ — archaeological remains of Hellenistic Alexandria

The Kom el-Dikka site, located in the very centre of ancient city is first and foremost known for its well preserved civic complex of the Late Roman age. The limited, and so far rather discounted potential for studying an earlier period of Alexandria’s history, is however, not to be ignored. Though no architectonic structures assigned to the Ptolemaic period can be pointed out, yet there is quite a broad spectrum of archaeological evidence that could be used to elucidate the Hellenistic legacy, beginning with urban layout and ending with assessing economic relations with the rest of the Mediterranean. The paper, focusing on expounding the underlying continuity between Hellenistic and Roman Alexandria, will offer a review of all extant material evidence of the Ptolemaic age, that would later play a fundamental role in shaping the identity of the Roman and Byzantine city. Various objects of art and everyday use: sculpture, architectural decoration elements, lamps, as well as, pottery both local and imported, found during the excavations are be discussed and evaluated.