It seemed as if his reign was to be disgraced by the downfall of Christianity.

He lived scarcely a month after the loss of the town.
But if Alexandria had been essential to Constantinople in the supply of orthodox faith, she was also essential in the supply of daily food.
Egypt was the granary of the Byzantines.

For this reason two attempts were made by powerful fleets and armies for the recovery of the place, and twice had Amrou to renew his conquest.

He saw with what facility these attacks could be made, the place being open to the sea; he saw that there was but one and that a fatal remedy.

"By the living God, if this thing be repeated a third time I will make Alexandria as open to anybody as is the house of a prostitute!" He was better than his word, for he forthwith dismantled its fortifications, and made it an untenable place.
FALL OF CARTHAGE.