Life in Alexandria was fairly typical for any Mediterranean harbor town. The city, a large metropolis of the time, held various wonders, from the grand Lighthouse on Pharos, to the well-know Library of Alexandria. People from all types of social status, weath, backgrounds and religions diverged in this city, the intellectual capital of the Greek world.

Lifestyles

Urban society in late antique Alexandria appears to have been fundamentally two-tiered, with a small number of wealthy honestiores standing in contrast to the poorer bulk of the urban populace, or humiliores. Each kept to their separate lives, although interactions did occur. Patron/Client relationships did exist, where the wealthy would aid the poor, and in return the poorer client would help his patron with various tasks, promoting loyalty between the two classes. The greatest form of unity in Alexandria, however, came in the form of Collegia, or groups of people connected by a similar craft or cult. Alexandrian collegia could assume innumerable forms, ranging from drinking clubs to the "society of the scrapers", an athletic association taking its name from grooming tools used in the gymnasia. Other Alexandrian collegia were less flamboyant, although perhaps more important because of their function in Alexandrian society such as the trade and craft associations. These were made up of Alexandrian workers from across the entire spectrum of the local economy: sailors, linen workers, carpenters, bakers, gem cutters, shoemakers, gravediggers, water carriers, and an assortment of shopkeepers; each had their own collegia. Often, various blocks of the town would be lived in only by members of a certian collegia, making it easier for one to conjugate with others of their craft, as well as for a person to locate a certian shop or craftsman. Since often many generations worked the same job, ties to a collegia could could become extremely deep.

But the collegia were not the only aspect of life in the city, although an important one. The Library was open to those with the knowledge to use it. In its halls was a collection of every text made, a wealth of knowledge taken from both kings and sailors, as well as forums for discussion and teaching. All knowledge could be found within its halls. The Lighthouse, aside from its obvious function, was also a tourist attraction, bringing people from around the world to gaze at its splendor. For those not educated enough to draw much from the Library, or cared little for the lighthouse, there was the open agora for merchants to sell wares and an gymnasium for pubic use, along with various baths. The town also held a Theater for various performances and a circus for races on the outskirts of the town. Temples as well abounded throughout the town, and being a harbor town, almost anything could be found in Alexandria, and new faces and items could be found. There was never a lack of things to do or see.

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