When was the Royal Library of Alexandria built?
The Royal Library of Alexandria was once the largest in the world. It is usually assumed to have been founded at the beginning of the 3rd century BC during the reign of Ptolemy II of Egypt after his father had set up the Temple of the Muses or Museum. The initial organization is attributed to Demetrius Phalereus. Originally founded in 283 B.C.E. as a temple of the Muses, the Musaeum (whence we get “Museum”) included lecture areas, gardens, a zoo, and religious shrines. Resident scholars numbering up to 100 conducted research as well translated and copied documents, particularly works of classical Greek philosophy, poetry, and drama.
