Synopsis: From its magnificent rise under the Ptolemies to its tragic destruction during Caesar’s siege, the Library of Alexandria stood as humanity’s greatest repository of knowledge. Housing up to 400,000 scrolls and hosting history’s brightest minds, this intellectual beacon shaped ancient scholarship before political turmoil led to its decline. Today, its spirit lives on through the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, reminding us of our timeless quest for knowledge.
The Glory of the Library of Alexandria
In its prime, scholars believed the Library of Alexandria to host about 40,000- 400,000 scrolls and it was known as the ancient learning centre of knowledge. The Library is regarded as one of the most significant, oldest and largest ancient libraries of the ancient world.
The Library’s Great Scholars and Contributions
The Library was once home to some of the greatest Greek minds of the time located in the royal district of Alexandria. Among the influential scholars hosted at the library was Callimachus of Cyrene- the author of the Pinakes, a library catalogue, the first of its kind. Another influential scholar, Eratosthenes of Cyrene, realised that the earth was round and managed to calculate its circumference and diameter with only a few hundred kilometres off the accurate distance. At the time this was a hugely considerable feat far from any of the modern technologies we have access to today!
Alexander the Great established himself as a conqueror and former student of Aristotle. Alexander desired to build a museum library but died before construction began only later in 300 BC. However, thankfully his dreams did not die with him as his successor, Ptolemy I, successfully established the construction plans and they were followed through by his son Ptolemy II. When the construction was completed, he filled it with Greek and Egyptian historic scrolls and the best scholars were invited to live and study in Alexandria at his expense. Over time the library’s collection and monumental significance grew by attracting scholars throughout the Mediterranean, only unfortunately, years later to be set alight and disregarded.
Political Instability and the Library’s Decline
At the time the Egyptian royal throne under the Ptolemaic dynasty suffered multiple succession disputes and power struggles often leading to significant instability. The notorious Cleopatra VII was no different in this predicament with her brother Ptolemy XIII, occurring soon after the death of her father Ptolemy XII Auletes. Upon his death, the throne was left to both Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XIII to rule as co-regents and later marry each other in line with traditional practice of the dynasty; but there were severe power struggles amidst increasing tensions between the siblings’ advisors with civil war ensuing.
Julius Caesar and the Fire That Changed History
In 48 BC Cleopatra VII was deposed, Julius Caesar arrived in Alexandria and soon was embroiled in the Ptolemaic power struggle and civil war. In the siege of Alexandria, Caesar’s troops set fire to the ships in the harbour thus, damaging the prominent Library of Alexandria and part of the collection being destroyed.
The Library’s Gradual Fall and Lasting Legacy
Over time the Library moved away from the forefront as the city in all its glory, moving from being Greek-governed, to Roman Christian and lastly, Muslim control. At each point, the ancient knowledge of the Library was viewed negatively and as a threat.
In 30 BC, Egypt was officially under Roman rule with the mass spread of Christianity and Alexandria becoming an important centre of Christianity and theological scholarship. After a series of political and economic crises under the Romans, funding and support began to lack resulting in dwindling membership.
The Library of Alexandria, once a beacon of ancient knowledge, learning and widely admired, gradually declined after witnessing years of destruction, changing leaders, political instability and shifts in society. Its legacy survives as a symbol of intellectual achievement in the ancient world. Today, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a major library and centre of culture and ancient knowledge now lives as a tribute to the former Library.
