The Heptastadion was created to link Pharos Island to the mainland coast, designed by Alexander’s chief engineer Dinokrates of Rhodes, who also oversaw the architectural design of the new city. Forces under Alexander's command cleared the sand and silt deposits which made the port unnavigable, Dinocrates linked the port of Alexandria and the island of Pharos with a bridge 4,000 ft long and 660 ft wide, creating two harbour basins for commercial and military shipping. The northeast basin was designed for military vessels and the southwest basin was for commercial use.
