---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Dinocrates did not leave the king, but…"
description: "\"Dinocrates did not leave the king, but followed him into Egypt. There Alexander, observing a harbor rendered safe by nature, an excellent center for tr..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b88/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_alexandria_dinocrates-did-not-leave-the-king-but-fo_2660833.png"
---

#  Dinocrates did not leave the king, but followed him into…

![“Dinocrates did not leave the king, but followed him into Egypt. There Alexander, observing a harbor rendered safe by nature, an excellent center for trade, cornfields throughout all Egypt, and the great usefulness of the mighty river Nile, ordered him to build the city of Alexandria, named after…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b88/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_alexandria_dinocrates-did-not-leave-the-king-but-fo_2660833.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b88/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_alexandria_dinocrates-did-not-leave-the-king-but-fo_2660833.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b88/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_alexandria_dinocrates-did-not-leave-the-king-but-fo_2660833.png)

> “Dinocrates did not leave the king, but followed him into Egypt. There Alexander, observing a harbor rendered safe by nature, an excellent center for trade, cornfields throughout all Egypt, and the great usefulness of the mighty river Nile, ordered him to build the city of Alexandria, named after the king. This was how Dinocrates, recommended only by his good looks and dignified carriage, came to be so famous.”

[Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-vitruvius-pollio/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Dinocrates, known for appearance and demeanor, was appointed by Alexander to design Alexandria, highlighting the role of personal traits in political favor.

**In simple terms:** Dinocrates was chosen for his looks and carriage, not merit.

Key Takeaway

Personal presentation can influence career opportunities.

Themes

politics city planning leadership appearance favor

Mood

reflective critical historical

Type

analytical observational

When to use this quote

- ancient diplomacy
- architectural commissions
- career advancement
- courtly influence

Key Concepts

Patronage urban design historical narrative

Questions to Reflect On

- How do personal attributes affect professional selection?
- Can appearance outweigh competence?

A Different Perspective

Merit may be overlooked in favor of superficial qualities.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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