Two fishermen stand on a flat rocky breakwater extending into the Mediterranean Sea along the public beach of Alexandria, Egypt, under bright midday sunlight. A colorful beach umbrella rests on the large foreground boulders, indicating a casual local fishing outing. Alexandria's coastline, stretching across the horizon, reflects the city's deep-rooted relationship with the Mediterranean, a connection that dates back to its founding by Alexander the Great in 331 BC and its role as one of the ancient world's greatest port cities.