The ancient library of Alexandria was the most important educational center of antiquity until its destruction, today’s Biblitheca Alexandrina in Egypt continues its historical legacy
Humanity is in an unprecedented state in its history as most of the people in the world can access all the knowledge in the palm of their hand just by pressing the screen of their mobile phone anytime, anywhere.
However, knowledge was concentrated in a few places for thousands of years: in libraries. Whether in the form of clay tablets, papyrus, scrolls, or books, people seeking knowledge had to turn to them. They often served as a magnet for other scholars, which made the spiritual activity in this place even more intense.
A reconstruction of the ancient library of Alexandria in the Assasin’s Creed video game. Photo: Mary Harsch
The Great Library of Alexandria
The original library of Alexandria was one of the largest and most important libraries of antiquity. In the 3rd century B.C. Founded during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the library was part of the Alexandria Museum, a type of research institute that also housed study rooms, gardens, a zoo, and living quarters for scholars. The library was located in the city of Alexandria in modern-day Egypt, a city founded in 331 BC. by Alexander the Great.
The library is believed to have housed up to 700,000 papyrus scrolls, although estimates vary. The texts were very diverse, covering subjects ranging from philosophy and medicine to astronomy and literature. The Library of Alexandria served not only as a text storage center but also as a learning and research center. It has been a focus for scholars from all parts of the ancient world, including names such as Euclid, Archimedes and Eratosthenes.
The decline of the Library of Alexandria is a matter of debate among historians and scholars. Some theories suggest that it was destroyed by a series of events, including the decree of Theophilus of Alexandria in AD 391 to destroy all pagan temples and the conquest of Alexandria by the Arabs in AD 642 However, it is more likely that its disappearance was a gradual process, exacerbated by factors such as lack of funds, neglect, and the rise of other libraries in antiquity.
The Alexandrian Library
However, in 2002 a modern version called Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened in Alexandria, Egypt with the intention of reviving the spirit of the original library.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a cultural and educational complex housing millions of books, as well as several museums, art galleries, and rooms for conferences and studies. It is an institution dedicated to learning, research and cultural exchange and can be visited. The modern architectural design of the building is also an attraction for visitors. The complex includes a disc-shaped roof that slopes towards the Mediterranean Sea, symbolizing openness to knowledge and wisdom.
The legacy of the Library of Alexandria is immense. He is credited with creating the first version of the Old Testament in Greek (the Septuagint), and the institution itself became a symbol of knowledge and scholarship. Although the original library is lost, its spirit lives on in the cultural imagination and in the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Access to the library may be subject to temporary restrictions due to factors such as building maintenance or public health and political situations. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the operations of numerous cultural institutions around the world, including the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
Even today, before planning a visit, it’s still a good idea to check the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s official website and other resources for up-to-date information on opening times, exhibitions, and any restrictions.
Although the original Library of Alexandria no longer exists, its spirit lives on in a modern version that can be visited today in Alexandria, Egypt.
Quo Science Trips section sponsored by Hyundai