It is known by many terms; the Alexandria Museum, Alexandria Library, the Royal Library of Alexandria, Ancient Library of Alexandria is one of the most sophisticated facilities that existed during the ancient world. Located in Alexandria, Egypt the historical facility whose existence dates back to 3rd century BC, is considered the most famous Library in the history of Africa.
It is recorded that the work of building the Library was initiated by Demerius of Phaleron as a dedication to the Muses; the nine goddesses of art. With several faculties, meeting rooms and lecture theatres, the library hosted the greatest thinkers as it served as a scholarship Center. The gardens and the walking paths made the library have a modern day image.
The Library is known to have stored international works of literature which included mainly works originating from Mediterranean, Middle East and India. The main language of the Library language was Greek. History records some translations from other languages into Greek.
It is recorded that the work of building the Library was initiated by Demerius of Phaleron who had studied the impact of the library in Athens. The written work was in papyrus scrolls and there is no record of how many scrolls they were at any given point in time. The value of the scrolls is unknown as well. How that kind of Library existent during such an era is not known.
The ruins of the Ancient Library of Alexandria
The facility survived the management of a long list of Ptolemies over many centuries. It is in record however, for having been burnt down leading to complete loss of cultural and historical knowledge. Some myths claim that the library had suffered a series of fires.
The library was rebuilt through a daughter library which was later burnt by AD Christians in AD 391.
The government of Egyptian inaugurated a modern library, the Bibliotheca Alexandina,near the site of the ancient institution.
Sources: crystallinks and britannica
Picture credit: Hecktic Travels/ Two Magnolias Wanderlust Living_/
Africa Global News Publication
