Was the Library of Alexandria Real?

The Great Library of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt, was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. The Library was part of a larger research institution called the Mouseion, which was dedicated to the Muses, the nine goddesses of the arts.

Was anything saved from the Library of Alexandria?

Contrary to popular myth Library of Alexandria wasn’t destroyed by Julius Caesar and Romans who interfered with civil war in Egypt in 48 BC. Caesar set fire to the ships in nearby harbor, but unfortunately fire spread into the library. However most important scrolls were saved.

Why did Alexander create a library in Alexandria?

2) The ancient library of Alexandria was part of an institution of higher learning known as the Alexandrian Museum. The library was intended as a resource for the scholars who did research at the Museum. The library is believed to have housed between 200,000 and 700,000 books, divided between two library branches.

What really happened to the Library of Alexandria?

But then, in 48 BCE, Julius Caesar laid siege to Alexandria and set the ships in the harbor on fire. For years, scholars believed the library burned as the blaze spread into the city. Ultimately, the library slowly disappeared as the city changed from Greek, to Roman, Christian, and eventually Muslim hands.

Why did Julius Caesar burn down the library of Alexandria?

Ammianus Marcellinus thought that it happened when the city was sacked under Caesar, and Caesar himself reported the burning of Alexandria as an accidental consequence of his war against his great rival Pompey, in 48–47 BCE.

Why did Julius Caesar burn down the Library of Alexandria?

Who destroyed Alexandria famous Library?

Julius Caesar himself
The first person blamed for the destruction of the Library is none other than Julius Caesar himself. In 48 BC, Caesar was pursuing Pompey into Egypt when he was suddenly cut off by an Egyptian fleet at Alexandria. Greatly outnumbered and in enemy territory, Caesar ordered the ships in the harbor to be set on fire.

Why did Caesar burn the Library of Alexandria?