Polish archaeologists completed their works on the grounds of the ancient
Academy of Alexandria by uncovering three lecture halls — said Dr.
Grzegorz Majcherek heading the Mediterranean Archaeology Centre of Warsaw
University in Alexandria. The archaeologists plan to reconstruct the academy
so that tourists will be able to visit it.
Nearly two years ago the Polish-Egyptian research mission discovered the
remains of the academy, dating back to 5th-6th century B.C. So far
archaeologists have unveiled thirteen auditoriums. The discovery was
acknowledged worldwide as it was the first discovery of a university in this
area of the Mediterranean. Work on it is continued.
“The vast complex consists of twenty auditoriums erected along a
180 metre long colonnade” — Dr. Majcherek explains. According to
researchers, the halls could hold up to a few hundred students in total. The
excavated auditoriums measure 6 by 11 metres with three rows of benches
lined along the walls in a U shape. One of the halls is finished with a
semi-circular apse containing additional benches for the lecturer...