The Alexandrian Library was founded by Ptolemy I (ruled Egypt 323 - 283 BC) in 4th century BC. Prior to the establishment of the "Great Library," owning books was uncommon and only a few private libraries existed. The Alexandrian Library was thought to have been modelled on Aristotle's collection of books in the Lyceum at Athens. As the library gained greater significance in intellectual and scientific studies, Ptolemy II (ruled Egypt 285 - 246 BC) worked to extend the structure and organisation of the library, and, thus, is often considered the true founder. A second, smaller library is also said to have been established at the Serapeum. It is estimated that the main library contained between 100 000 and 700 000 volumes (papyrus roles), and that it was the role of Demetrius of Phaleron to organise the gathering of books and scrolls.
It is believed that during the establishment of the Great Library, Ptolemy I was determined to obtain all known world literature. In maintaining the library, the successors of Ptolemy I went to great lengths to achieve this goal. Ptolemy III sent letters to all the world's sovereigns requesting to borrow their texts. When Athens replied, lending him works of Euripides, Aeschylus and Sophocles, he promptly made copies, kept the originals for the library and returned the duplicates. Similarly, it is also believed that all ships docked in the port of Alexandria were searched for texts, which if found, were also copied and the originals kept. .
The library was located near the harbour and the grounds were reputed to be well maintained, with beautiful gardens, columns, laboratories and study areas. However, even the library"s picturesque appearance could not save it from disaster. It was partially destroyed by Julian Caesar in 47 BC, when he set fire to his fleet to avoid the possibility of it being taken over by the Egyptians. The fire quickly spread to the docks and the naval arsenal, and most of the library's scrolls were destroyed.
(O"Conner 1) He would go on to live in Athens, Greece and then Alexandria, where he was named Librarian of the Royal Library of Alexandria; he would eventually become known as "The Great Alexandrian Scholar" (Fraser 4) and the "Pentathlete" (Mahoney 542). ...
As a result, the Alexandrian War broke out between Rome and Egypt and lasted for almost six months, all just because Caesar could not resist Cleopatra's tempting manner. ... This was just to please the Alexandrians and the Egyptian priests, for she had no intentions of staying to help him. ...
Among the excellent libraries of the city are the library of the University of Dublin, the Royal Dublin Society Library, and the National Library. ... HistoryThe first known settlement on the site of Dublin was called Eblana, a name found in the writings of the 2nd-century Alexandrian geographer Ptolemy. ...