The Rise and Fall of Alexandria

Birthplace of the Modern Mind

By: Justin Pollard, Howard Reid

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

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". Sparkling with fresh insights into science, philosophy, culture, and invention, this is an irresistible, edifying delight.

©2006 Justin Pollard and Howard Reid (P)2006 Tantor Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A nourishing account." (Publishers Weekly)
"Classical history buffs will savor this survey." (Booklist)

A good, but sometimes underwhelming listen.

I'm extremely torn on this book; probably more so than any of the dozen or so history titles I've listened to on audible so far.

On one hand, it is extremely imformative. Note that this book is really about the academics/scholars/scientists that were from Alexandria, or those who studied/lived there for a time. It's less about the city itself and it's history, although that of course works its way into Reid and Pollard's narrative...especially and the beginning and the end of the book.

There's some great stuff in here....Reid and Pollard argue that Archimedes may have lived in Alexandria; discuss the important Alexandrian Jewish community and its impact on early Christianity; flesh out the geographer Ptolemy; and discuss Celsus, an early critic of Christianity and its origins. Among other topics.

That said, I feel like this book would work better in print form, as the voiceover can drag on and there isn't the kind of narrative that makes a history book work in audio format.

A history of Alexandria of the highest order

If you are someone who treasures knowledge, wisdom, and the freedom to pursue those endeavors, this book will find you at times delighted with joy, and brimming with anger and sadness. It is hard to believe that our predecessors of 2000+ years ago had a dream creating a city of knowledge for the sake of knowledge, only to see it crushed by brutes, tyrants, and religious zealots.

The first 3/4th of the book provides a breathtakingly and painstakingly thorough view of the most amazing city ever conceived. But of course, since we all know how the story ends, there is a lingering sadness throughout, when you come to term with how much has been lost.

It is also eerie to read about how very similar the early Christian practitioners (in conjunction with the Roman Empire) were to current day ISIS followers, in their wanton destruction of anything that went against their teachings. If you are a modern day Christian, who has turned a blind eye to your own faith’s dark history, this book will beautifully crack the veneer and show that idolatry and blind faith have been the enemy of scholarship, wisdom, and philosophy for millennia, and that acts of despicable cruelty and intellectual suppression are not exclusive to adherents of the Muslim faith.

#Provocative #antiquity #ancientegypt #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Unexpectedly Fascinating

Any additional comments?

I bought this cheap during one of Audible's sales, and then it just sat while I chose everything else I had to listen to first. Then I started listening and couldn't stop. This book incorporates much of the history of the classical world and how it all affected the truly worldly city of Alexandria. Anyone who enjoys classical history will enjoy this book.

Good collection of biographies on Alexandrians

What made the experience of listening to The Rise and Fall of Alexandria the most enjoyable?

The lives of so many wonderful geniuses living in a city which for al practical purposes was a gigantic university campus; and the first one at that.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Rise and Fall of Alexandria?

The overall plan Ptolemy I Soter had for his city and the wonderful but sad life of Hypatia.

Would you be willing to try another one of Simon Vance’s performances?

I've already heard some. He is a skilled reader, albeit quite at a loss when it comes to pronouncing certain household ancient names like Archimedes. He should have been thoroughly coached on this.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Hypatia's death and the rule of Ptolemy IV. It was painful to see such an extraordinary project go to waste because of mere sloth and ineptitude.

Any additional comments?

Mr Vance needs coaching when it comes to pronouncing standard ancient Greek names.

Wonderful and refreshing! 5 stars

Puts the pieces together of how an enlightened society plummeted into the dark ages setting mankind back a millennia. The narrator Simon Vance turns what could have been just history into an exciting adventure that takes you far away from where you are.

An Unexpcted Gem!

I thought I knew a little bit about Alexandria, but this book showed me how little I actually knew!

The history of this city and the people who made it what it became is well worth your credit! I had no idea how much this city and the (famous) people who lived there shaped the western world for centuries. I was so surprised by the discoveries that we had been taught only arrived in the Enlightenment that actually were "old news" in Alexandria. You'll be surprised by the familiar names of so many inventors, philosophers, rulers, and others who are wrapped up closely in the history of this city. This is not "dry" history; the authors do a good job of keeping us interested - mostly because it really was not a boring or "dry" topic! (...and besides, Simon Vance has never disappointed me.)

Side note: This city was so far ahead of it's time - if only the discoveries of this culture had not been buried for centuries... It leaves you wondering where we might be today....

Excellent

What did you love best about The Rise and Fall of Alexandria?

A very comprehensive history.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ptolemy. Didn't realize how much of an influence he was.

What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Engaging voice, Makes the story flow.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The decline of the city

Any additional comments?

Excellent listen. This audiobook made the history very entertaining. I had a hard time not listening to the whole thing at once!

Everything you could wish for

I learned so much from this book then I even expected. I may listen to again several times. Well done and the narrator was perfect!

From Where it Came and Who Knows How It Went?

The Rise and Fall of Alexandria: Birthplace of the Modern Mind, by Justin Pollard, Howard Reid, is a magnificently organized, conceptually presented history of Western or Mediterranean civilization between the end of Alexander the Great’s time and into the fifth century. It is a history, a listing of facts and information but presented with genius. The authors lay out their information in generally chronological order, but in separate chapters cover the political, scientific, philosophical, religious, gadgetry, art and ethnic histories of that period. They tell all about the advances and withdrawals throughout the Mediterranean during those centuries.

The particular chapters often concentrate on one to three particular individuals and the overall story, and surrounding history, is told through those individuals trials and tribulations. The main or dominant characters are the Ptolemaics and their Hellenistic kingdom based in Egypt. Yet much concentration is put upon Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and their intellectual progeny; in philosophy, medicine, arts and religion. We are introduced to the Romans, Caesar, Anthony and their relationship to Cleopatra, etc. We learn about the Alexandrian Jews, the evolution of Catholicism, and their overcoming paganism, or did they?

This is a history of a time most people do not often learn about, from 300 B.C. to 400 A.C. What happened and how it shaped who we are and what we now have. Every tale is told interestingly. I thought I knew about the Great Alexandrian Library, but in fact my knowledge was all wrong. The library came and went with very little historic trace. This book is well thought out, well presented and well read by Simon Vance. What more can be asked for?

Amazing history illuminated

In clear and concise prose, the authors lay out the incredible story of the city of Alexandria. Begun by Alexander the Great and Ptolemy the First, this city was a wellspring of learning and culture, and the birthplace or domicile of many great scientists and learned men; Euclid among many others… The influence of Egypt, the Roman empire and finally the Arab Muslim world is clearly traced. Intriguing and intricate stories covering more than 1000 years seem all to have ties to Alexandria; including Cleopatra, Caesars and Christians. Descriptions and astonishing stories of the great library of Alexandria are fully revealed. Wonderful history, engagingly told.