The Burning of Alexandria

The library of Alexandria in ancient Egypt was one of the great treasures of the world containing untold records of human history. In 48 BC, Julius Caesar was pursuing Pompey into Egypt when he was suddenly cut off by an Egyptian fleet at Alexandria. Greatly outnumbered and in enemy territory, Caesar ordered the ships in the harbor to be set on fire. The fire spread and destroyed the Egyptian fleet. Unfortunately, it also burned down part of the city - the area where the great Library stood. Caesar wrote of starting the fire in the harbor but neglected to mention the burning of the Library. The embers of Alexandria still glow within this image that ever moves and breathes with the everla...View all