The ancient library of Alexandria, built in the city that was named after Alexander the Great, was one of the wonders of the ancient world. Greek scholars had explored history, science, and knowledge before its tragic destruction. It was also called Mouseion as it was dedicated to the Mouses, who were the nine goddesses of the arts in Greek mythology.
In Greece, the Athenian ruler Peristratos was said to have made the first major public library in the 6th century BC.
It was out of this mixed heritage of Greek and Middle-eastern book collections that the library of Alexandria was founded. The idea of founding the library in Alexandria was proposed by Demetrius of Phalerum an exiled Athenian living in Alexandria.
The library was possibly built at the time of Ptolemy I Soter, but the library was really built until the reign of his son, Ptolemy II Philadelphus.
The library acquired many papyruses and scrolls due to the Ptolemaic Kings' aggressive and well-funded policies for acquiring texts.
They dispatched agents with large amounts of money to purchase as many texts as possible about any subject and any author.
Alexandria was regarded as the capital of knowledge and learning and was described as "a place to cure the soul" and had many Greek books and scrolls.
Julius Ceaser was forced to set his ships on fire after his defeat by the Egyptians, the fire spread and unfortunately burned the Library of Alexandria.
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