Ancient Libraries

Brought to you by Penguin. The story of the ancient world’s most spectacular library, and the civilization that created it When a team of Victorian archaeologists dug into a grassy hill in Iraq, they chanced upon one of the oldest and greatest stores of knowledge ever seen: the library of the...

For centuries in the Western world, during what is known as the Middle Ages, written knowledge was guarded closely and hidden away in private repositories, usually by the religious classes. The lack of libraries in the West has helped contribute to the popular imagination of the ancient Library at Alexandria and all the myths and legends that have come to be associated with it, but the Library of Alexandria deserves its reputation.

Uncover the gripping ancient history of antiquity's intellectual empire and the tragic destruction of human knowledge. Ideal for your morning commute or an evening of focused learning, this awe-inspiring narrative transports you directly to the Hellenistic Mediterranean. Watch ambitious...

Uncover the rise and devastating fall of antiquity’s greatest intellectual empire in this immersive narrative history. Perfect for a thought-provoking commute, this journey transports you to Hellenistic Egypt, where conquering dynasties weaponized scholarship to rule the Mediterranean. Far...

Dive into classical history to uncover the dramatic rise and fragmented ruin of humanity's greatest lost knowledge. Perfect for your daily commute, this atmospheric journey transports you directly into the vibrant streets of an ancient cosmopolitan metropolis. Discover how an ambitious...

Explore the rise and fall of ancient history's greatest intellectual utopia and the tragic loss of boundless knowledge. Perfect for a long commute, this awe-inspiring journey transports listeners to a windswept Egyptian coastline that transformed into the beating heart of the Mediterranean. Step...