The Library Of Alexandria: A Center Of Ancient Knowledge
The Library of Alexandria was once the center of knowledge of the ancient world, founded around the third century B.C.E.
It housed a vast collection of texts, estimated to be between 40,000 to 700,000, including works of Greek philosophers and Babylonian manuscripts.
- The library's collection included a wide range of texts from various cultures.
- Those in charge of obtaining new books searched every ship that sailed into Alexandria's harbor for texts to add to the shelves.
Despite its significance, the Library of Alexandria fell, and it had all but vanished from the historical record by the fourth century C.E.
Legend attributes its destruction to Julius Caesar, but scholars disagree, citing that the actual events are unclear.
Legend says Julius Caesar burned the Library of Alexandria, but scholars don't think that's what actually happened.
The exact circumstances of the library's demise remain a mystery.
Author's summary: Library of Alexandria's rise and fall.