Founding of the Library of Alexandria: What Happened
In the early 3rd century BC, the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt founded the Library of Alexandria, which became the greatest library of the ancient world. It was probably begun under Ptolemy I, perhaps on the advice of the Athenian scholar Demetrius of Phalerum, and greatly expanded under his son Ptolemy II. The Library was part of the Mouseion, or Museum, a research institution where scholars lived, studied and were supported by the king. The Ptolemies aimed to collect every book in the world. According to ancient stories, ships arriving in Alexandria were searched for books, which were copied, with the library sometimes keeping the originals. Estimates of its collection range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of scrolls. Scholars working there included the mathematician Euclid, Eratosthenes, who measured the circumference of the Earth, and the poet Callimachus, who created an early catalog of Greek literature. The Library declined gradually over several centuries rather than in a single fire, suffering damage during Julius Caesar's war in 48 BC and later conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Library of Alexandria founded?
The Library of Alexandria was founded in the early 3rd century BC by the Ptolemaic rulers of Egypt, probably begun under Ptolemy I and greatly expanded under Ptolemy II.
How many books were in the Library of Alexandria?
Estimates range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of scrolls. The exact number is unknown, but it was the largest collection of the ancient world.
How did the library collect its books?
The Ptolemies aimed to collect every book in the world. According to ancient stories, ships arriving in Alexandria were searched for books, which were copied for the library.
Who worked at the Library of Alexandria?
Scholars included the mathematician Euclid, Eratosthenes, who measured the Earth's circumference, and the poet Callimachus, who created an early catalog of Greek literature.
How was the Library of Alexandria destroyed?
The Library declined gradually over several centuries rather than in one fire. It suffered damage during Julius Caesar's war in 48 BC and in later conflicts and neglect.
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