Imagine stepping into a world where Google searches didn’t exist, and knowledge and wisdom were tucked away in scrolls and manuscripts. Yes, we are talking about libraries!
There have been several ancient libraries across the globe that have played a vital role in the preservation and progression of human knowledge and learning. These libraries were once the ultimate information hub of their time, and they held treasures that would make even the most dedicated bookworm swoon.
From scrolls on papyrus to manuscripts, let’s open the dusty pages of history and explore the secrets, stories, and wisdom locked within these hallowed walls.
Vatican Apostolic Library
The Vatican Apostolic Library, steeped in history, houses some of the world’s oldest and most valuable manuscripts. Formally established in 1475 by Pope Sixtus IV (although it is much older), it has a vast collection of 75,000 codices, including Codex Vaticanus (one of the most ancient Bible manuscripts ever found).
In addition to manuscripts, the library’s holdings include nearly 1.6 million printed books, 8,600 incunabula and coins, medals, engravings and drawings. Due to its valuable possessions, the general public is not allowed inside. The Vatican Apostolic Library is meticulously and continuously restoring its valuable manuscripts in order to safeguard the cultural heritage of old times for upcoming generations.
Library of Alexandria
The Library of Alexandria is the absolute heaven for knowledge seekers. The library was founded likely during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, a ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Alexandria, Egypt.
It was a part of a research institute known as the “Mouseion”. The scrolls and manuscripts in the library multiplied to be quite a sizeable collection. According to estimates, it had 40,000–4,00,000 papyrus scrolls. Legend has it that the library was destroyed by Julius Caesar in 48 BCE. As a result, a majority of details about the Library of Alexandria remain shrouded in historical enigma, demonstrating the difficulty of preserving ancient information in a continuously changing world.
The House of Wisdom
The House of Wisdom, also known as Bayt al-Hikmah, was established in the late 8th century under the reign of Caliph al-Ma’mun. Located in Baghdad, it served as a major centre for scholarly activities and was one of the most extensive public libraries during the Islamic Golden Age.
The House of Wisdom played a critical role in the conservation, interpretation, and progression of knowledge. Eminent scholars such as Al-Kindi, Hunayn ibn Ishaq, and Yusuf al-Khuri were connected with the House of Wisdom. Its impact on the advancement of human civilization is still acknowledged.
Al Qarawiyyin Library
The world’s oldest functional library, founded in 859 AD by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri, is housed within the University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fez, Morocco.
The university itself is considered by many to be the world’s oldest degree-granting institution. The library building is a stunning example of Moroccan and Islamic architecture. Al-Qarawiyyin’s collection primarily consists of rare Islamic and Arabic manuscripts. According to some reports, there are 9th-century Qurans written in Kufic calligraphy and the oldest known accounts of the life of the prophet Muhammed.
Recently, the Moroccan government invested in modernizing and restoring the previously restricted library, which is now open to the public.
Bodleian Library
Located in the heart of Oxford, the Bodleian Library is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans and history enthusiasts alike. Established in 1602 by the renowned scholar Sir Thomas Bodley, it stands as one of Europe’s oldest and largest libraries. It houses a vast collection of over 13 million printed materials, including the rare 16th-century Mesoamerican Codex Bodley.
This library is a treasure trove of knowledge and history. When in Oxford, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Bodleian Library and immerse yourself in its rich academic heritage.
Imperial Library of Constantinople
Emperor Constantius II founded the Imperial Library of Constantinople between 337 and 361 AD in the capital city of the Byzantine Empire (modern-day Turkey).
This was the last great library of the ancient world and played a crucial role in preserving the knowledge of the ancient Greeks and Romans for almost a millennium.
Despite facing numerous challenges such as fires, conflicts, and political turmoil, the library remained a symbol of learning and culture within the Byzantine Empire. However, the Fourth Crusade in 1204 brought significant losses to its collection marking a catastrophic point in its history.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery
At the foot of Mount Sinai in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, Saint Catherine’s Monastery is a one-of-a-kind and historically significant landmark. The monastery’s library houses a significant collection of unique and extremely rare publications, including the Codex Sinaiticus and Syriac Sinaiticus.
It was founded between 548 and 565AD and is one of the world’s oldest continually operating libraries, preserving the world’s second-largest collection of early codices and manuscripts. The Sacred Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai, commonly known as Saint Catherine’s Monastery, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.
Library of Saint Mark
With its magnificent architecture, the Library of Saint Mark stands as a masterpiece of the Renaissance period, preserving centuries of knowledge. It is named after St Mark, the patron saint of the city. It is located in Venice and houses the priceless collection of Greek and Latin manuscripts that Cardinal Bessarion, bishop of Tusculum and titular Latin patriarch of Constantinople, donated in 1468. In addition to books, the Library of Saint Mark offers valuable information through its frescoes, sculptures, and moulded ceilings.
Library of Celsus
In the heart of the Library of Celsus, an astonishing secret is concealed: a mausoleum housing the remains of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, former proconsul of Asia. This architectural beauty is in ancient Ephesus, located in western Turkey. With its beautiful exterior containing Corinthian columns, statues, and exquisite ornamentation, the library is a notable example of Roman architectural style.
The library stored 12,000 scrolls, making it the third-largest library in Greco-Roman history. In 262 CE, the interior of the library and its contents were destroyed in a fire caused by an earthquake or a Gothic invasion. Even though the library is mostly in ruins, its legacy endures.
Theological Library of Caesarea Maritima
The Theological Library of Caesarea Maritima, also known as the Library of Caesarea, was situated in Caesarea Maritima, Israel. It was considered to be the most extensive ecclesiastical library of its time, boasting a collection of over 30,000 manuscripts. The library managed to accumulate a vast collection owing to the efforts of the renowned Christian theologian and Origen of Alexandria.
The library was unable to survive the wars and was allegedly destroyed by Arabs in the 7th century. Among its lost valuable holdings were the Gospel according to the Hebrews and Origen’s copy of the Hexapla, a critical edition of the Hebrew Bible.
There we have it, our list of 10 ancient libraries and their treasures. What do you think about our picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below: