The Rise and Fall of Alexandria, Justin Pollard
The Rise and Fall of Alexandria, Justin Pollard
37 Rating(s)
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The Rise and Fall of Alexandria
Birthplace of the Modern Mind

Author: Justin Pollard, Howard Reid

Narrator: Simon Vance

Unabridged: 11 hr 31 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 11/01/2006

Synopsis

Founded by Alexander the Great and built by self-styled Greek pharaohs, the city of Alexandria at its height dwarfed both Athens and Rome. It was the marvel of its age, legendary for its vast palaces, safe harbors, and magnificent lighthouse. But it was most famous for the astonishing intellectual efflorescence it fostered and the library it produced. If the European Renaissance was the "rebirth" of Western culture, then Alexandria, Egypt, was its birthplace.

It was here mankind first discovered that the earth was not flat, originated atomic theory, invented geometry, systematized grammar, translated the Old Testament into Greek, built the steam engine, and passed their discoveries on to future generations via the written word. Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Cleopatra, Jewish scholars, Greek philosophers, and devout early Christians all play a part in the rise and fall of the city that stood "at the conjunction of the whole world." Compulsively readable and sparkling with fresh insights into science, philosophy, culture, and invention, this is an irresistible, eye-opening delight.

About Justin Pollard

Justin Pollard, a freelance writer and producer specializing in historical documentaries, has written for PBS and A&E. He is currently providing script and historical consultancy for Sam Mendes's upcoming feature film, Tom Fool.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Jean on June 30, 2018

I learned so much from this book about not only Alexandria but of Egypt and the Mediterranean. The book covered the economy, history and existing knowledge of the ancient era. I guess if you think of the library and museum of Alexandria in modern day terms, it would be called a university, a think t......more

Goodreads review by Rindis on January 12, 2018

Alexandria is one of the great success stories of the ancient world, being founded by Alexander the Great, and then spending the next several centuries as one of the great trading ports of the Mediterranean, as well as a center of learning. So a history of the city has a lot of appeal. Sadly, this is......more

Goodreads review by K.M. on September 05, 2017

This is a good book, full of fascinating glimpses into a largely forgotten place and time in history. I had a hard time staying riveted to the book, but I’m not sure why. It was always interesting. I think it was just me.......more

Goodreads review by Jeff on September 10, 2013

This was an absolutely fantastic book! I knew bits and pieces about Alexandria, here and there, such as scenes from the lives of Caesar and Cleopatra and the fate of Archimedes, but I never really had a sense of the extent to which the city was the intellectual center of the West. This was just the pe......more

Goodreads review by Grumpus on September 10, 2007

This is based upon the audio download from [www.Audible.com]. Narrated by: Simon Vance This was the history of knowledge in Alexandria. Listening to the book was like watching a History Channel documentary—very well done. Century by century all the famous citizens of Alexandria are portrayed. There wa......more

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