Library of Alexandria

Alexandria is also famous for its library which is the first and largest library in the world. This library is a comprehensive library and lasted until the thousand years and evolved into the greatest learning center in the world at that time. Even to this day still includes a row of large libraries of the world.
This library was founded in 323 BC by Ptolemi I. Soter declared a ruler who was a military commander who was passionate about science. Until the Ptolemi III, about 700,000 books stored in the library of Alexandria. This was also in Alexandria, Euclid, Archimedes, Erathostenes, and great scientists who laid the foundation of other knowledge to mankind had spent most of his life.
It is said that this library has 700,000 papyrus scrolls. In comparison, in the 14th century, which he said the Sorbonne library has the largest collection dizamannya only has 1700 books. The rulers of Egypt was so eager to expand their collection to the point that they ordered the soldiers to search every ship that went to get the script. If there is a script that is found, they kept the original and return a copy. According to some sources, when Athens lent manuscripts original Greek classical drama is priceless to Ptolemy III, he promised to pay a security deposit and copy it. But the king instead save the original, do not take the money back guarantee, and requested a copy.

When the Muslim army under the commander of Amer bin Ash conquered Egypt in 640 (20th century AH), the library of Alexandria was not possible. The scholars are still arguing about exactly how and when the library was gone. But most historians considered that the library at Alexandria destroyed when Julius Caesar invaded Egypt in 48 BC. Library of Alexandria burned, and no less than 400,000 books burnt to ashes. Later, Caesar apologized for the barbaric behavior of the soldiers burned the library, and presented 200,000 books sent from Rome to Cleopatra, continues with the establishment of their love story

After combustion, the library of Alexandria more unkempt. It was not until the 1990s, UNESCO together with the Egyptian government to rebuild the world's first library, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Current library location close to the location where the first stand.

Now, the library of Alexandria had stood majestic, and became one of the largest and most modern library in the world. There saved millions of books, 500 computer to access digital literature, and reading room that can accommodate 1,700 people. On the front page of the library displayed bust of Alexander the Great, as a tribute to the founder of the city of Alexandria.