TED-Ed: What really happened to the Library of Alexandria? - Elizabeth Cox

The Library of Alexandria was an ambitious project initiated by Alexander the Great and executed by Ptolemy I to collect all the world's knowledge. It housed numerous scrolls and attracted great minds. Despite its growth, the library faced challenges in managing its vast collection, leading to the creation of the pinakes catalog. The library was a hub of discovery, with scholars like Eratosthenes and Heron making significant contributions. However, the library's decline began with Julius Caesar's siege and continued as the city changed hands. The library's contents were seen as threats by new rulers, leading to its eventual disappearance. Today, the library's legacy prompts reflection on how we preserve knowledge in the digital age, emphasizing the need to protect against the same forces that led to its downfall.

What new insight or understanding did you gain from this video?