I love history (with the exception of political science.) I didn't love it in junior high school, but find it so fascinating now. Love geography too which is very much entwined with history.
I have been reading about the Library of Alexandria. So much on the web about it. The history of the world was stored there on papyrus. Great scientific works, writer's writings, maps of early earth, astrological data and theory, art and works from the greatest minds of all time. One historian wrote the great flood happened 430,000 years ago. Much of the early writings, which eventually became the bible and qua ran and torah, were lost in the destruction of the library. Mind boggling what all was lost.
This is an early depiction of Sappho. Most of the nine volumes of her writings were lost in the conflagration.
Just a few scraps remain. Not only a genius, her writings/poems were legend and she put it to music - the original Joni Mitchell and Laura Nyro.
The writing that remains, speaks volumes. I loved this line she wrote.
"Although they are/only breath,
words/ which I command/
are immortal".
And I just had to add a couple more pictures. Hmmmmm....... I can't quit.
Just unimaginable.
And I just had to add a couple more pictures. Hmmmmm....... I can't quit.
Just unimaginable.
What remains.
18 comments:
Oh, the great library of Alexandria. I wish I could remember what I know I know about it. However, even the thought of all the knowledge and wisdom accumulated is like a sedative. Like the beautiful lines you posted.
History was taught as dates, battles and rulers when I was at school. I loathed it. Coming to a much broader definition later in life I love it. And am endlessly fascinated and awed. Love that Sappho quote - which I hadn't come across. Thank you.
I didn't have room to write the volumes about it, but one account put the number of papyrus scrolls lost at 400,000.
I visited the library at Alexandria once. Not much to read these days as you say. The colossus has gone too, but the foundations of the lighthouse are still there.
Same here Child. It was legend not only for all the work, but in size and architecture too. The history of the world, the stories and knowledge - set us back 18 centuries in science and never to know what else.
Oh Tom. How wonderful to go there. I think they must have dumped a lot of the remains in the sea as I read about new finds often.
All of that early knowledge is unimaginable.
I saw a funny meme. It said, you are a real history buff if you're still upset about the Library of Alexandria.
I love history, especially social history. I always want to know how people lived, what their every day lives were like. I am, however, horrible at remembering dates, years, battles... Your post was very interesting, makes me want to do some research. -Jenn
I agree Jenn. The date they signed this and that, all those memorized facts were so boring. When I travel, I take great pains to research the places I go. Last time I went with some friends to Paris, I knew its history. My friends didn't seem to care. I guess it is not for everyone.
A lovely post, Donna, but it makes me feel that we have advanced very little. Lovely Sappho and the architecture of your last image, how fabulous!
Yes Rosemary. The destruction was the result of religions - mostly the same cause today. I'd like to think we'd know about the use of the pyramids, ancients, Atlantis.
I have amazed myself what I remember from the dates and names we had to learn. I write a bit of historical fiction and enjoy learning more now.
Glad you're not losing it like I am. Can't remember my name sometimes. I'm lucky to remember my grandchildren's birth dates.
I wish that loving history was one of my gifts. But there is so much of it! Haha! I am in awe of so many antiquities and artifacts, and especially the arts. But I find it somewhat overwhelming. Little snippets like this are nice! But I would be one of the disappointing travel friends I'm afraid.
I think I'm a history nerd, Jacqueline.
History and geography were not my fortés..they were certainly great loves of Jacques and they still are....
I am a nerd of lots of things though;)
Did I tell you how much I loved your charm bracelet? I think I forgot. I loved science too. Just interested/curious about many things.
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