The Rise and Fall of Alexandria

Birthplace of the Modern Mind

De: Justin Pollard, Howard Reid

Narrado por: Simon Vance

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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

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

entertaining

I loved this book. I learned so much about ancient history. And who knew that Reid and Pollard could make it so interesting. I was hooked from the moment it started and I was pleasantly suprised that it was such a intriguing and effortless read. But then, all history should be like that.

Packed Full of History, Science, Math, Philosophy

If you want to know more about this incredible place and time for all of the above subjects as well as an interesting interplay of Judaism, Christianity, and Paganism, this is a great one-stop source. I learned much about the great minds of the past and the context of their discoveries.

Fantastic

This is a broad, sweeping history from the foundation of Alexandria, to the invasion of Islam. It gives a good picture of the thinking of the hellenized world. I did not realize how much like them we are.

That the ancient world could have known so much and then have it forgotton, not to be rediscovered for a thousand years, is a sad and uncomforting thought.

Some of what was lost, is FOUND by the authors

This book tied together lots of history for me, including how Greece, Rome and Christianity fit together. I didn't realize how much of "Greek" history was Alexandrian and I was shocked by the number of great thinkers that came through this city.

Excellent survey of a fascinating place

This was really well done. I had hoped to learn more about this interesting place and I was not disappointed

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.