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Founded
in 1892, the graeco—Roman Museum of Alexandria has already celebrated
its centenary. Its vast collection, gathered together over these hundred
years, is the product of donations from wealthy Alexandrians as well as
of excavations led by successive directors of the institution, both
within the town and in its environs. Certain other objects have come
from the Organization of Antiquities at Cairo (particularly those of the
Pharaonic period) and from various digs undertaken at the beginning of
the century in The Fayoum and at Benhasa (Middle Egypt). Housed within
an historic building (back cover) whose beautiful neo-classical facade of six columns
and pediment bears the large Greek inscription, ‘MOYXEION’, the
Museum consists of 27
halls
and an attractive garden, which offer an excellent introduction to the
Greek and Roman art of Egypt.
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