The Great Library of Alexandria – Dr. Roy | Museum of the Future: Lessons from the Past

Season two of Lessons from the Past continues with Dr. Roy Casagranda exploring one of the greatest centers of learning in human history: the Great Library of Alexandria. Beginning with the rise of Alexander the Great, this lecture traces the founding of Alexandria by Ptolemy I and examines how ancient Egypt became the intellectual, economic, and cultural crossroads of the ancient Mediterranean. Drawing from history, archaeology, philosophy, and the history of science, Dr. Roy explores the creation of the Great Library of Alexandria and the original Museum of Alexandria, the scholars who transformed humanity's understanding of mathematics, astronomy, engineering, geography, and language, and the remarkable discoveries that emerged from one of history's greatest institutions of learning. Rather than focusing solely on the Library's destruction, the lecture examines how civilizations advance through the exchange of ideas, how knowledge is preserved and transmitted across generations, and why preserving accumulated knowledge remains one of civilization's greatest challenges. ~~~ Lessons from the Past at Museum of the Future is an exclusive, year-long program featuring monthly lectures by Dr. Roy Casagranda. Each session explores pivotal moments in history and connects them to the challenges shaping our world today, offering a rare opportunity for deep, interdisciplinary learning. Hosted by the Museum of the Future in Dubai, the series reflects the museum’s mission to challenge assumptions, expand perspectives, and explore the intersection of past, present, and future. 🌍 Learn more: https://museumofthefuture.ae ~~~ 🔉 Dr. Roy Casagranda Podcast 🔉 Podcast Spotify ▶ https://open.spotify.com/show/6aebF9BEErbbiTLEHEyV6z Apple Podcast ▶ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-roy-casagranda-podcast/id1837193563 ~~~ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:31 The Mediterranean Was the Ancient World's Superhighway 09:07 Rethinking Egypt and the Ancient World 15:21 The Story of the Great Library Begins 20:02 Alexander the Great 37:47 The Empire After Alexander 41:24 Why Ptolemy Chose Egypt 46:49 Trade, Culture, and Civilization 58:59 Ptolemy Builds Alexandria 01:15:09 The Great Library of Alexandria 01:28:18 Science and Technology in Alexandria 01:40:10 The Septuagint and Preserving Knowledge 01:43:15 Rome and Alexandria 01:54:00 The Destruction of the Great Library 01:57:38 How the Knowledge Survived 02:03:28 Hypatia 02:08:18 What the Great Library Teaches Us 02:11:50 Coins and Closing Remarks #History #AncientHistory #LibraryOfAlexandria #AncientEgypt #AlexanderTheGreat ~~~ © Dr. Roy Casagranda – All Rights Reserved. All video content featuring Dr. Roy Casagranda is the intellectual property of Dr. Roy Casagranda. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, or re-uploading of this content—whether in full or in part—is strictly prohibited. Violations may result in takedowns, strikes, or legal action.