CHRISTIAN DESTRUCTION OF THE LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA —“There was no “library” as

CHRISTIAN DESTRUCTION OF THE LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA

—“There was no “library” as a separate institution or structure. It was always an inseparable part of the overall Museum. Secondly, the Museum was in no sense a secular institution. It was truly a temple to the Muses, and Holy Wisdom, with sacred functions. Even under Roman control it continued to be administered by a priest. Finally, it would seem that the Romans had nothing to do with the burning of the Museum, indeed there was no damage during the Roman conquest. The greatest damage is shown to have been done in late antiquity at the hands of Christian fanatics- like so many similar cases of the mindless destruction of our classical heritage.”—