Lake Mareotis
Lake Mareotis (Mariout) is an isolated body of salt water. When Alexandria was founded,
the lake stretched along its southern border, and carried fresh water. It was connected to
the Nile River in the south, and to the Mediterranean in the north. During the 19th and
early 20th century, parts of the lake were converted to "salterns" that turn
red, owing to the chemicals. Other parts of the lake, mainly to the south, are being used
as fisheries. Over the past few decades, land reclamation of the Lake's swampy spots gave
way to the new city districts including Smouha and Siouf.
clickable map
Back to Alexandria Homepage