[p.102]

The second channel flows to the city of Reshid (Rosetta), which is near Alexandria, and there falls into the sea; the third channel goes by way of Ashmun, where it falls into the sea; and the fourth channel goes as far as the frontier of Egypt[190].  Along both banks of these four river-heads are cities, towns and villages, and people visit these places either by ship or by land.  There is no such thickly-populated land as this elsewhere.  It is extensive too and abundant in all good things.

From New Mizraim unto Old Mizraim is a distance of two parasangs.  The latter is in ruins, and the place where walls and houses stood can be seen to the present day.  The store-houses also of Joseph of blessed memory are to be found in great numbers in many places.  They are built of lime and stone, and are exceedingly strong[191].  A pillar is there of marvellous workmanship, the like of which cannot be seen throughout the world.

Outside the city is the ancient synagogue of Moses our master, of blessed memory, and the overseer and clerk of this place of worship is a venerable old man; he is a man of learning, and they call him Al Sheik Abu al-Nazr[192].  The extent of Mizraim, which is in ruins, is three miles.

[p.103]

Thence to the land of Goshen is eight parasangs; here is Bilbais[193].  There are about 300 Jews in the city, which is a large one.  Thence it is half a day’s journey to Ain-al-Shams or Ramses, which is in ruins.  Traces are there to be seen of the buildings which our fore-fathers raised, namely, towers built of bricks.  From here it is a day’s journey to Al Bubizig, where there are about 200 Jews.  Thence it is half a day to Benha, where there are about 60 Jews.  Thence it takes half a day to Muneh Sifte, where there are 500 Jews[194].  From there it is half a day’s journey to Samnu, where there are about 200 Jews.  Thence it is four parasangs to Damira, where there are about 700 Jews.  From there it is five days to Lammanah, where there are about 500 Jews[195].  Two days’ journey takes one to Alexandria of Egypt, which is Ammon of No; but when Alexander of Macedon built the city, he called it after his own name, and made it exceedingly strong and beautiful[196].  The houses, the palaces, and the walls are of excellent architecture.  Outside the town is the academy of Aristotle, the teacher of Alexander.  This is a large building, standing between other academies to the number of twenty, with a column of marble between each.  People from the whole world were wont to come hither in order to study the wisdom of Aristotle the philosopher.

[p.104]

The city is built over a hollow by means of arches.  Alexander built it with great understanding.  The streets are wide and straight, so that a man can look along them for a mile from gate to gate, from the gate of Reshid to the gate by the sea.