Researcher Salim Katchner reveals the significance of the ancient Library of Alexandria in his book 'Forgotten Pages in Egyptian Culture,' published by the General Authority for Cultural Palaces. The library was described by American astronomer Carl Sagan as the 'mind and glory of the greatest city on the planet and the first center for scientific research in world history.' The Encyclopaedia Britannica confirmed that most modern Western discoveries were studied and foundationally established in this library, built by the colleagues and successors of Alexander the Great in Egypt during the 3rd century BC.
The library was founded by Demetrius of Phalerum, an Athenian philosopher who studied under Aristotle alongside Alexander the Great. Over time, the library gained immense importance and size, necessitating the creation of an annex. It is believed that this annex was located on the plateau of the 'Rakitous' neighborhood, known today as 'Karmoz,' far from the Mediterranean coast on which the city was built, earning it the title 'Bride of the Mediterranean.'
Event Details
Demetrius of Phalerum collected the nucleus of the Library of Alexandria from rare manuscripts in Greece and is considered the founder of the library concept. Zenodotus of Ephesus was the first librarian, managing the library from 284 BC. The papyrus scrolls in the library covered various subjects, including law, ethics, history, geography, literature, and the arts, in addition to diverse sciences such as mathematics and medicine.
Demetrius succeeded in acquiring a massive collection of papyrus scrolls, reaching about 200,000 scrolls, and hoped to increase the number to half a million. After his exile, his successor Calimachus took on the task of expanding the library, bringing the number of scrolls to around 490,000, and the library continued to grow until it reached approximately 700,000 scrolls by the end of the Ptolemaic era.
Background & Context
The Library of Alexandria is considered a symbol of knowledge and culture in the ancient world, bringing together scholars and philosophers from various civilizations. Among the prominent scholars associated with the library were Euclid, the famous mathematician, Herophilus, who founded the science of anatomy, and Aristarchus, who contributed to the development of the heliocentric theory. There was also Erastosthenes, who discovered the difference between motor nerves and sensory nerves, and Archimedes, regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians in history.
The library was established during a time when Alexandria was a cultural and civilizational center, attracting many thinkers and scholars from around the world. The library contributed to the development of sciences and arts and significantly influenced subsequent civilizations.
Impact & Consequences
The Library of Alexandria had a profound impact on the development of thought and science in the world, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and the exchange of ideas among different cultures. The library played an essential role in shaping philosophy and science in later ages, as many thinkers relied on the information and research collected in the library.
The library is also a symbol of Arab cultural heritage, reflecting the importance of knowledge and learning in Islamic civilization. It influenced many Arab scholars who followed, contributing to the flourishing of Islamic civilization during the Middle Ages.
Regional Significance
The ancient Library of Alexandria remains a symbol of knowledge and culture in the Arab world, exemplifying the importance of science and its role in developing societies. In light of the challenges facing the region today, restoring the spirit of the library and promoting a culture of knowledge is essential to address current crises.
The library demonstrates how knowledge can be a weapon against ignorance and backwardness, making it crucial to invest in education and scientific research in the Arab world. Reviving the spirit of the Library of Alexandria can contribute to building a better future for generations to come.