The Library of Alexandria was established under the Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt (323-30 BCE) and flourished under the patronage of the early kings to become the most famous library of the ancient world, attracting scholars from around the Mediterranean, and making Alexandria the preeminent intellectual center of its time until its decline after 145 BCE.
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Definition
Timeline
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323 BCE - 282 BCELibrary of Alexandria is proposed and possibly established during the reign of Ptolemy I of Egypt.
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323 BCE - 145 BCEThe Library of Alexandria flourishes under the patronage of the early Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt.
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282 BCE - 246 BCELibrary of Alexandria built during the reign of Ptolemy II of Egypt.
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246 BCE - 221 BCECollection of the Library of Alexandria expands during the reign of Ptolemy III of Egypt.
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145 BCEThe Library of Alexandria loses patronage under the reign of Ptolemy VIII; foreign scholars are expelled from Alexandria.
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145 BCE - 48 BCELibrary of Alexandria declines through lack of patronage by Ptolemaic Dynasty of Egypt.
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51 BCE - 30 BCELibrary of Alexandria still exists during the reign of Cleopatra VII of Egypt.
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48 BCEStorehouse of the Library of Alexandria near the port is destroyed by fire set by Julius Caesar.
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313 CE - 415 CEWhatever remains of Library of Alexandria declines further with the rise of Christianity in Alexandria, Egypt.
