"The Rise and Fall of Alexandria" by Justin Pollard delves into the history of a great ancient city—Alexandria. Through a meticulously researched narrative, Pollard takes readers on a time machine through the rise of this illustrious city, its cultural achievements, and inevitably the decline marking the end of an extraordinary era.
The book starts with the founding of Alexandria by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. As the conqueror sought to create a new center of power and knowledge, Alexandria rapidly flourished into a cosmopolitan hub of intellectual exchange. With the establishment of the Library of Alexandria, scholars from across the ancient world flocked to this renowned institution, making it the epitome of intellectual achievement.
Pollard intricately explores the cultural achievements of Alexandria during its golden age. The city became a melting pot of ideas, where scholars, mathematicians, astronomers, and philosophers congregated, resulting in groundbreaking discoveries and influential works that would shape the course of human knowledge. The contributions of luminaries such as Euclid, Archimedes, and Eratosthenes are vividly portrayed, showcasing the profound impact they had on various fields of study.
As Alexandria's intellectual brilliance shone, the city's fortunes began to wane. Political turmoil, religious conflicts, and external invasions marked the beginning of the end for this once-vibrant metropolis. The loss of the Library of Alexandria, whether through accidental fires or intentional destruction, remains a subject of debate, yet its destruction signifies a symbolic blow to the city's legacy.
A book that I introduced earlier has some overlaps when it comes to the time Cleopatra and Marc Anthony. Check out [Book Summary] Cleopatra—Stacy Schiff.
If you are interested in watching the simulation of Alexandria, I highly recommend this video!
Lastly, if you're interested in an archaeological documentary, check out this video below.
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