This conference was organized by the French Cultural Center of Alexandria, the Université Senghor, the Swedish Institute of Alexandria and the Alex Med Center at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina from 12-13 December 2004. It was subsidize by the Alembert Fund from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The conference focused on the dialogue of civilizations in the Mediterranean through the interaction between history and memory, taking the model of Alexandria and in a comparative approach with other experiences in the Mediterranean region. The conference discussed how Alexandria is both a historical and a mythical city, and how other cities in the region are also attempting a revival based on their rich historical heritage.