- A small strategically important tower of the medieval wall remained standing until 1905. Known as the Tower of the Romans (M1), it was situated on the northern corner of the wall where it defended the interior shore of the Eastern Harbour. It was circular in plan and was topped by an artillery platform. In its interior was a single large vaulted chamber with numerous loopholes that allowed for maximum all-round views. After the tower was demolished the Italian consulate was erected on the site.
Medieval wall tower called “Tour of the Romans”.
From the Description de l’Égypte, État moderne, volume 2, plate 84
Photo K. Machinek. © CEAlex archives
- Two elevations situated intra muros are noticeable in Alexandria’s geography and they lent themselves to the construction of defensive emplacements. Bonaparte chose the hill of Kom el Dikka – adjacent to the southern wall – to build an earthwork. This new fortlet defended the eastern part of the existing town and areas outside the walls. This fort was named Cretin (B1) after a general who was killed at the Battle of Abukir. During the major military redevelopments undertaken by Gallice Bey, this earthwork was replaced by a more solid fort of two storeys on a pentagonal plan. This building took the name Fort Kom el Dikka (G1) and stood until the 20th century. In the 1960s, this fort as well as the entire hillock were razed to make room for a large housing project, however, important archaeological discoveries led to the site being transformed into one great excavation.
Fort built by Gallice Bey on the hill of Kom el Dikka in 1845
From the map of Ch. Müller. Atlas Jondet, pl. XXXV 1855
Postcard © CEAlex archives
- Bonaparte also decided to construct a fort on the second elevation intra muros at Kom el Nadoura. This hillock is situated between the two ports inside the northern wall. The new fort on top of the hill was to serve as a citadel and protect that part of the town on the peninsula. It held barracks and cisterns but was, none the less, a simple earthwork. This emplacement was also named after a general killed during the expedition; Caffarelli (B2).
Fort on the hill of Kom el Nadoura
From the map of Ch. Müller. Atlas Jondet, pl. XXXV 1855
Postcard © CEAlex archives