Libraries have been the epicenters of knowledge and wisdom for centuries, serving as homes to priceless historical texts, rare manuscripts, and vast collections of works covering every imaginable topic. The oldest libraries in the world are testament to the enduring value of books and the preservation of human intellectual heritage.
Here, we delve into some of the most ancient libraries on Earth, exploring their origins, their contributions to the historical record, and the legacies they carry forward to the present day.
Oldest Libraries in The World
1. The Library of Ashurbanipal
The Library of Ashurbanipal, named after the last great king of the Assyrian Empire, is believed to be the world’s oldest known library. Dating back to the 7th century BCE, it was located in Nineveh, modern-day Mosul, Iraq. Ashurbanipal was known for his quest for wisdom and ordered writings from all over his empire to be gathered in his library.
The library contained a vast collection of cuneiform tablets on subjects ranging from government, religion, magic, literature, and even daily life. The Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest known pieces of literature, was found within this collection, making the library crucial for our understanding of ancient Near Eastern literature.
2. The Library of Alexandria
Perhaps the most famous of the ancient libraries, the Library of Alexandria was established in the early 3rd century BCE in Egypt. It served as a major center of scholarship for several hundred years and is believed to have housed anywhere between 40,000 to 400,000 scrolls at its height.
The library was part of a larger research institution called the Musaeum of Alexandria, which attracted scholars from across the Mediterranean.
Unfortunately, the library suffered several destructive events over the centuries, leading to the loss of countless texts and knowledge. The exact cause of its final destruction remains a matter of historical debate, but its legacy continues to inspire the pursuit of knowledge.
3. The Al-Qarawiyyin Library
The Al-Qarawiyyin Library, part of the Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco, is recognized by many as the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution in the world, having been founded in 859 CE. The library has been a center of learning in the Muslim world for centuries, with a rich collection that includes manuscripts of the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence texts, and various works of classic Arabic literature.
The library was originally attached to the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and became a university in the 12th century. It contains over 4,000 rare books and manuscripts, with some dating back to the 7th century. In recent years, the library underwent extensive renovation to both preserve its rich heritage and modernize its facilities for a new generation of scholars.
4. The Vatican Library
Founded in 1475 by Pope Sixtus IV, the Vatican Library is not only one of the oldest libraries but also one of the most significant repositories of historical texts in the world. It holds an extensive collection of historical texts, including approximately 1.1 million printed books, over 75,000 manuscripts, and tens of thousands of prints, drawings, and engravings.
Among its most cherished holdings are the Codex Vaticanus, one of the oldest copies of the Bible, and works by Homer, Sophocles, and other classical authors. While the library is part of the Vatican’s ecclesiastical structures, it is open to qualified researchers and scholars regardless of religious affiliation.
The Vatican Library continues to be a crucial center for historical and theological research.
5. The Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library of the University of Oxford, founded by Sir Thomas Bodley in 1602, is one of the oldest libraries in Europe that has been continuously operating since its inception. With its roots going back to an earlier library opened in 1488, the Bodley’s collection has grown to over 13 million printed items.
The library includes rare manuscripts such as the Gutenberg Bible and Shakespeare’s First Folio. As a legal deposit library, the Bodleian is entitled to a free copy of every book published in the UK and Ireland, adding to its expansive collection. Its historic reading rooms have been frequented by many influential figures, including five kings, 40 Nobel Prize winners, and countless writers.
6. The Ambrosiana Library
Located in Milan, Italy, the Ambrosiana Library, or Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, was founded in 1609 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo. The library was established with the purpose of providing opportunities for higher education to the people. It contains a rich collection of Greek, Latin, and even Egyptian texts, among other cultural artifacts and artworks.
One of the most notable items in its collection is Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus, an extensive collection of drawings and writings by the artist.
The Ambrosiana Library continues to serve the public and maintains a vast array of historical interpretations and commentaries.
7. The Laurentian Library
Commissioned by Pope Clement VII, the Laurentian Library was designed by the illustrious Renaissance artist Michelangelo and opened to the public in 1571. The library is particularly notable for its architecture and the beauty of its reading room. It houses over 11,000 manuscripts and 4,500 early printed books, including valuable pieces such as the 6th-century Syriac Gospel and one of the few remaining copies of Ptolemy’s “Geography”.
The Laurentian Library holds a significant collection of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, and its aesthetically remarkable design is a fitting tribute to the importance of knowledge and scholarship during that era.
8. The Saint Catherine’s Monastery Library
Located in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, the Saint Catherine’s Monastery is home to a library that boasts one of the world’s most important collections of early Christian texts. Established in the 6th century CE, the library survived largely untouched due to the isolated location of the monastery.
It houses the second largest collection of early codices and manuscripts, outnumbered only by the Vatican Library. Among its most famous manuscripts is the Codex Sinaiticus, one of the earliest known Bibles. The monastery and its library are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continue to be a place of pilgrimage and study.
9. The Biblioteca Marciana
Also known as the Marciana Library or Library of St. Mark’s, the Biblioteca Marciana is one of the earliest surviving public manuscript depositories in Italy, founded in the 16th century. It contains more than a million books, including manuscripts of classical Greek and Latin texts which were gathered from all over the world. The design of the building was the project of great Renaissance architect Jacopo Sansovino.
The library’s collection was significantly increased by the bequest of Cardinal Bessarion’s manuscripts, making it one of the most significant collections of Greek scripts. Visitors to the library can still marvel at its rich ornamentation and classical works of art, including works by Titian and Tintoretto.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered the oldest library in the world and where is it located?
The oldest known library is the Library of Ashurbanipal, established in the 7th century BCE in Nineveh, which is part of modern-day Mosul, Iraq.
Are the oldest libraries open to the public?
Access to the oldest libraries varies. Some, like the Vatican Library, require special permissions and are open only to qualified researchers. Others, such as the Bodleian Library or Al-Qarawiyyin Library, have more open access policies, although some restrictions still apply.
How have the oldest libraries influenced modern libraries?
The oldest libraries have set a precedent for the role of libraries in society as centers of learning, cultural preservation, and scholarship. They also established some of the early methods for cataloging and managing collections that have been developed and refined over the centuries.
Can anyone visit the oldest libraries, and are there any particular rules for visitors?
Visiting rules depend on the specific library. While some historic libraries have been transformed into museums and allow broader public access, others are more restrictive and prioritize access for researchers and scholars. Potential visitors should check in advance for visitation rules, required permissions, and opening hours.
Do these oldest libraries still acquire new materials?
Many of the oldest libraries, especially those attached to active academic institutions like the Bodleian Library, continue to acquire new materials as part of their ongoing function as modern libraries.
Conclusion
The oldest libraries of the world hold a special place in the annals of human history. They are the keepers of ancient knowledge, the sanctuaries of wisdom passed down through many generations, and the landmarks of intellectual endeavor across civilizations. These historic libraries are not merely repositories of books; they are the symbols of the thirst for understanding that defines humanity.
By exploring their corridors and understanding their significance, we gain a deeper appreciation for the collective journey of human consciousness and the enduring power of the written word.
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