Libraries are amazing because they’re so much more than just places to borrow books — they’re the heart of communities and treasure troves of knowledge.
The Library of Alexandria in Egypt was the largest center of learning in the ancient world. It contained hundreds of thousands of scrolls on every subject you could imagine. Scholars came from all over the world to study and work there, making great strides in mathematics, philosophy, and science.
But despite its legendary status, much of what we know about it is wrapped in mystery, and the loss of its priceless collection has puzzled historians for ages. Here are some things we do know.
The Library Was Founded by a Macedonian King
The Library of Alexandria was founded by Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great’s generals, around 283 BCE. Ptolemy envisioned the library as a center of learning that would rival even Athens, drawing scholars from all over the ancient world.
It Was Part of a Larger Complex
The Library wasn’t a standalone structure; it was part of the larger Mouseion, a temple dedicated to the Muses, the goddesses of the arts and sciences. This complex included lecture halls, gardens, and meeting rooms, creating a vibrant environment for intellectual exchange.
The Collection Included Over Half a Million Scrolls
At its peak, the Library of Alexandria is believed to have housed between 400,000 and 700,000 scrolls. These scrolls covered a vast array of subjects, from literature and philosophy to science and mathematics, making it the largest collection of knowledge in the ancient world.
It Had an Aggressive Acquisition Policy
To build its vast collection, the Library employed some unique methods. Ships docking at the port of Alexandria were required to surrender any books on board. Scribes would then make copies, returning the copies to the owners and keeping the originals for the Library.
It Was a Hub for Famous Scholars
Some of the greatest minds of antiquity worked at the Library of Alexandria. Scholars like Euclid, the father of geometry, and Archimedes, the great mathematician and inventor, conducted their research here. The Library was also home to Eratosthenes, who accurately calculated the Earth’s circumference.
The Librarian Was a Highly Esteemed Position
The position of head librarian at Alexandria was one of the most prestigious academic appointments in the ancient world. Notable figures like Zenodotus, Callimachus, and Eratosthenes held this position, contributing significantly to the Library’s reputation as a center of learning.
It Played a Key Role in Preserving Ancient Texts
The Library of Alexandria was instrumental in preserving the works of many ancient authors. Texts by Homer, Sophocles, and other Greek authors were copied and stored in the Library, helping to ensure their survival through the ages.
The Septuagint Was Translated Here
One of the most significant translations of the ancient world, the Septuagint, was completed at the Library of Alexandria. This Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible made the Jewish scriptures accessible to the wider Greek-speaking world.
It Had Rival Libraries
The Library of Alexandria wasn’t the only major library in the ancient world. Its biggest rival was the Library of Pergamum in modern-day Turkey, which also sought to become the greatest repository of knowledge. The rivalry even led to the development of parchment as an alternative to papyrus.
It Contained an Early Form of the Scientific Method
The scholars at the Library of Alexandria didn’t just study existing knowledge; they also pioneered new methods of inquiry. The work of these scholars laid the groundwork for what would later become the scientific method, emphasizing observation, hypothesis, and experimentation.
Cleopatra Was Linked to the Library
Cleopatra VII, the famous queen of Egypt, had a deep connection to the Library. She is believed to have housed some of Mark Antony’s collection in the Library, adding to its already vast holdings. Her reign marked one of the last great periods of the Library’s history.
The Cause of Its Destruction Is Debated
The Library’s destruction is one of history’s great mysteries. While some blame Julius Caesar’s siege of Alexandria in 48 BCE, others point to later events, such as the decree of Theophilus in 391 CE, which ordered the destruction of pagan temples, as the possible cause.
Its Legacy Influenced Later Libraries
The Library of Alexandria set a standard for future libraries around the world. Its emphasis on acquiring, preserving, and disseminating knowledge influenced the design and purpose of libraries in places like Rome, Baghdad, and later, the medieval European monasteries.
It Was a Center for Medical Knowledge
The Library housed extensive medical texts and was a center for medical research and teaching. Herophilus, a pioneering anatomist who worked in Alexandria, conducted some of the first known dissections of the human body, greatly advancing the understanding of anatomy.
The Library May Have Housed a “Mechanics’ Workshop”
Some historians believe the Library included a workshop where engineers and inventors could test and develop new devices. This workshop might have been where Archimedes created some of his famous inventions, like the screw pump and war machines.
Alexandria Was Home to the World’s First Lighthouse
Though not directly related to the Library, the Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was a key part of the city’s identity. The lighthouse guided ships into the busy harbor, many of which brought books and scrolls to the Library.
Its Resources Were Open to Women
While many ancient institutions were closed to women, the Library of Alexandria was more inclusive. Female scholars, such as Hypatia, a renowned mathematician and philosopher, studied and taught at the Library, making significant contributions to their fields.
It Was Funded by a Tax on Papyrus
The Library’s extensive collection was partly funded by a tax on papyrus, the primary writing material of the time. This tax helped maintain the Library’s operations, ensuring a steady flow of new scrolls and the maintenance of existing ones.
The Library Inspired the Creation of Modern Universities
The concept of a centralized institution dedicated to learning and knowledge influenced the development of modern universities. The idea of bringing scholars together in one place to share ideas can trace its roots back to the Library of Alexandria.
Its Exact Location Remains a Mystery
Despite its fame, the exact location of the Library has never been found. Archaeologists have searched for clues, but the Library’s remains, if they exist, lie buried beneath the modern city of Alexandria.
The Library’s Spirit Lives On
Although the Library of Alexandria was lost, its spirit lives on in the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, opened in 2002. This new library aims to revive the legacy of its ancient predecessor, serving as a global center for culture, research, and dialogue.
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Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
