What really happened to the Library of Alexandria? - Elizabeth Cox
TED-Ed・4 minutes read
The Library of Alexandria, created to gather world knowledge, housed Greek and Egyptian scrolls collected by Ptolemy I and required ships to surrender books for copying. However, despite its significant discoveries, the library was destroyed during Julius Caesar's siege in 48 BCE, leading to its eventual decline as rulers saw its contents as threats.
Insights
- The Library of Alexandria, founded by Ptolemy I, sought to amass global knowledge by collecting Greek and Egyptian scrolls and enforcing a policy where ships had to provide books for duplication.
- Despite attracting scholars and accumulating vast knowledge, the Library of Alexandria met its demise during Julius Caesar's invasion in 48 BCE, leading to its decline as subsequent rulers saw its contents as dangerous rather than valuable.
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Recent questions
What was the purpose of the Library of Alexandria?
To gather all world knowledge under one roof.
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Summary
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Ancient Library of Alexandria: Knowledge and Destruction
- The Library of Alexandria, established 2,300 years ago in Alexandria, aimed to gather all world knowledge under one roof, attracting great minds and scholars.
- Founded by Ptolemy I, the library was filled with Greek and Egyptian scrolls, with a policy requiring ships docking in Alexandria to surrender books for copying.
- Despite its growth and significant discoveries made within, the Library of Alexandria faced destruction during Julius Caesar's siege in 48 BCE, eventually fading as the city changed hands and rulers viewed its contents as threats rather than treasures.
