Alexandria: Ships of
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Alexandria, a prominent city in ancient Egypt, was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. It quickly became a major center of commerce and culture in the Mediterranean world. The city's strategic location on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea made it a hub for maritime trade and navigation. The ships of Alexandria are mentioned in the New Testament, highlighting their significance in the ancient world.

In the Book of Acts, the Apostle Paul encounters ships from Alexandria during his journey to Rome. Acts 27:6 states, "There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board." This passage indicates that Alexandrian ships were engaged in long-distance trade, traveling from Egypt to Italy, which was a common route for grain shipments. Alexandria was known for its grain exports, supplying much of the Roman Empire with this essential commodity.

The ships of Alexandria were likely large and well-constructed, capable of carrying substantial cargoes across the Mediterranean Sea. The city's shipbuilding industry was advanced, benefiting from the availability of resources and skilled labor. The ships were often equipped to handle the challenging conditions of the open sea, which was crucial for maintaining the flow of goods between Egypt and other parts of the Roman Empire.

In Acts 28:11 , after being shipwrecked on the island of Malta, Paul and his companions continue their journey on another Alexandrian ship: "After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island. It had the Twin Brothers as a figurehead." The mention of the "Twin Brothers" refers to the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, who were considered protectors of sailors. This detail underscores the cultural and religious influences present in the maritime practices of the time.

The ships of Alexandria played a vital role in the spread of Christianity. As Paul traveled on these vessels, he was able to preach the Gospel and establish Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire. The efficient and extensive network of Alexandrian ships facilitated the movement of people and ideas, contributing to the early growth of the Christian faith.

In summary, the ships of Alexandria were integral to the economic and cultural exchanges of the ancient Mediterranean world. Their mention in the New Testament highlights their importance in the historical context of early Christianity, serving as a testament to the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the providential spread of the Gospel.
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Acts 27:6
And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.
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Acts 28:11
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
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Library

Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ...
... [262] The average passage from Alexandria to Puteoli was twelve days,
the ships touching at Malta and in Sicily. It was in such ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v alexandria and rome.htm

Letter Lxxxii. To Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... man looking from some tall watch tower, [2282] as when at sea many ships sailing
together ... by the hand of some one in whom you place trust in Alexandria, or by ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter lxxxii to athanasius bishop.htm

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... So Titus marched on foot as far as Nicopolis, which is distant twenty furlongs from
Alexandria; there he put his army on board some long ships, and sailed upon ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm

How the Soldiers, Both in Judea and Egypt, Proclaimed Vespasian ...
... Nile is navigable as far as the city called Elephantine, the forenamed cataracts
hindering ships from going any farther, The haven also of Alexandria is not ...
/.../chapter 10 how the soldiers.htm

Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures
... At this time Alexandria drew all the merchants of the world to her markets; and
her harbour was constantly filled with ships laden with silver, amber, and ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vii two famous versions.htm

Epistle Lx. To Eulogius, Bishop.
... Mark was sent by Saint Peter the apostle, his master, to Alexandria, so we ... wood from
the West, which, being suitable for the building of ships, signifies the ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lx to eulogius bishop.htm

The Council of Tyre and First Exile of Athanasius, 335-337.
... He had threatened to starve the paneudaimon patris, the chosen capital of Constantine,
by stopping the grain ships which regularly left Alexandria every autumn ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 5 the council of.htm

How Herod Got Away from the King of Arabia and Made Haste to Go ...
... a very great way off, and made haste into the road to Pelusium; and when the stationary
ships that lay there hindered him from sailing to Alexandria, he went ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how herod got.htm

How Taricheae was Taken. A Description of the River Jordan, and of ...
... produces the Coracin fish as well as that lake does which is near to Alexandria. ...
them; nor could they fight upon the level by sea, for their ships were small ...
/.../chapter 10 how taricheae was.htm

On the Arrival of the Egyptians.
... in 380, under the following circumstances: Peter, Patriarch of Alexandria, had sent ...
afterwards an Egyptian fleet, probably the regular corn ships, had arrived ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxiv on the arrival.htm

Resources
Who was Athanasius? | GotQuestions.org

What is Coptic Christianity, and what do Coptic Christians believe? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Clement of Rome? | GotQuestions.org

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Alexandria

Alexandria or Alexandria

Alexandria: A City of Egypt

Alexandria: Apollos Born In

Alexandria: Ships of

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Alexandria: Apollos Born In
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