Library of Alexandria

The Royal Library of Alexandria was once the largest in the world. It is usually assumed to have been founded at the beginning of the 3rd century BC during the reign of Ptolemy II of Egypt after his father had set up the temple of the Muses, the Musaeum (whence we get "Museum"). The initial organization is attributed to Demetrius Phalereus, and is estimated to have stored at its peak 400,000 to 700,000 parchment scrolls. The library's destruction remains a mystery. A new library was inaugurated in 2003, near the site of the old library.

Related Topics:
Alexandria - 3rd century BC - Ptolemy II of Egypt - Muse - Musaeum - Museum - Demetrius Phalereus - Parchment scrolls - New library - 2003

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