A little history lesson:

The library was most probably founded at the beginning of the 3rd century BC during the rein of Ptolomy II of Egypt after his father had set up the Temple of the Muses or Museum. In its hight it is said to have contained 400'000 to 700'000 scrolls.

It is also said that the library initially held all of Aristotle's private collection which was administered by one of his students, Demetrius Phalereus. Ptolemy III of Egypt ordered all travellers to surrender their scrolls and books of winsdom in order for the library to store it. Only copies were allowed to be returned to the rightful owners. And so, the library grew in works and arts. It was also a place for intellects to study and research projects; just like a university. Furthermore, the library constisted of several buldings and not as a single entity.

There is a growing concensus among historians that the library may have suffered several set back in its history. It is probably true that the invasion of Alexandria by Julius Caesar caused the destruction of around 40'000 - 70'000 books and scrolls (most probably copies to be shipped abroad) when he set fire to the enemy fleet in the harbour. However, it is unlikely to have destroyed either the library itself or the adjacent temples and store houses as there is plenty of evidence that the library still did exist after that event.

Several other factors may have contributed to the slow decrease of investments in the library, such as loss of interest in non-religious pursuits, civil wars etc. The Serapeum was certainly destroyed by Theophilis (Bishop of Alexandria) in 391 AD. The Emperor Theodosius ordered all pagan temples destroyed and the Bishop was more than happy to oblige. It is likely that more was to have fallen victim to his displeasure of all pagan literature and art (Museum and Library).

Quid

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