The library of Alexandria was once home to the largest collection of works from across the known world and included the work of Socrates, Plato, Homer, and many more. These works ranged not only in the diversity of authors but also in topics covering many fields of study such as mathematics, geography, astronomy, and the writings of many more. It was believed to be destroyed by a massive fire around 2000 years ago and has been lamented for ages, although who orchestrated the fire is still a great mystery, one that has an excess of suspects all with their own motivations.
What was Alexandria?
Alexandra was a city found in Egypt by the Greek hero, Alexander the Great and since its creation, it has been the location of many important events. The seaport city was a wonder of the ancient Mediterranean world, but after the passing of Alexander the Great and his successors, the once near-utopian city began to fall into torment. It was said it was vastly important to this area of the world as not only did it host the Great Library of Alexandria, it was also a popular trade outpost and through fair from the east to the west.
What was the library?
It is commonly believed that the library began its life as two or more libraries but was then combined into one. The library was also home to a large museum that included places of study: a zoo, many gardens, lecture areas, and shrines to gods and goddesses of that period. Its location allowed scholars from across the world to bring over half a million documents from places such as India, Greece, Persia, Egypt, Assyria, and many other nations. During its peak over 100 scholars lived in the library at all times.
A volatile city
During the latter days of Alexandria’s peak, the city had become very volatile and fraught with violence. Many political rivals fought for power and control over this fruitful territory, all until the great fire destroyed most of Alexandria. Being centrally located also created a society with many different groups from both different nations and different religious beliefs.
Who really destroyed it
Many scholars are quick to blame Julius Caesar as the culprit behind the library’s destruction. It was said that when Caesar was in pursuit of Pompey into Egypt he was cut off by the Egyptian fleet at Alexandria. In order to grasp victory Caesar ordered that the ships in the harbor be set on fire. This fire then spread throughout the Egyptian Fleet and unfortunately spread further inward destroying many buildings, monuments, and the Great Library.
Other scholars believe that the library’s destruction was a lot more complex. It has been recorded that many Christians, Pagans, and Jews lived together in the city with relative peace until the death of the patriarch of Alexandria, Theophilus. The local Christians were persecuted and shortly after mass riots broke out across the city in which many Christians were executed and during this tumultuous time fires were started and spread across the city causing the destruction of the Great Library.
Some recordings blame the destruction on Muslim Caliph Omar, a high-ranking individual in Alexandria at the time. He orchestrated the destruction of the library as he saw it as Heresy against the Islamic faith and as such had to be destroyed.
The person behind the destruction of the library of Alexandria may never be firmly established, however, it is perhaps less tragic that this monument of ancient history was destroyed, and more tragic to know that so much ancient history, learning, and understanding has been lost forever.
