Test21

The reading passage states that the library at Alexandria founded by Ptolemy 1 was the library that contained the greatest number of books in the ancient times. This library expanded in the period of Ptolemy 2, who wanted the library to collect every single Greek works,including the works from other western countries. It is estimated that this library contained approximately 300,000-700,000 books.

The listening passage adds that nowadays the library at A no longer exists. Historians have debated among themselves about who destroyed this library and when it was destroyed. One theory states Julies Caesar was the one who destroyed it when he invaded Alexandria. His forces set fire to the fleet of ships staying in the harbor and the fire spread into the city and burned the library down. However, this belief is not currently accepted nowadays because there were many references to this library after the death of Cesar.

The most widely accepted reason at present is that this library existed until the late of 4th century. During that time, There was a movement toward the destruction of pagan tramples and  libraries. Therefore, the library Alexandria should be destroyed during this period.

Library at Alexandria

Ptolemy I