Summary: The Library of Alexandria evokes powerful images for the destruction of the greatest institution of higher learning and research in the ancient world. Many assume the Library of Alexandria's demise occurred in a single sweeping inferno. In reality, the Library's destruction occurred in several major episodes over the span of centuries. We not only explore the history of the celebrated Library and how it actually met its fate, but focus on the events of 391 AD; with the Library enduring one of the final nails in its coffin. As an unfortunate innocent bystander - it was the victim of the anti-pagan Christian purges occurring due to Theodosius I declaring the Roman Empire's official adoption of Christianity as the single state religion. <br> <br> With Rome's official state religion becoming Christianity, the long worshiped order of the Vestal Virgins is abolished in 394 AD; a major vestige of the pagan Hellenistic religion being swept aside in favor of the new official theology. With the Vestal Virgins meeting their end, so with them goes the legendary Sacred Fire of Vesta. Since immemorial, the Sacred Fire of Vesta served as symbol of Rome's greater destiny and place in their universe, and was extinguished not by a foreign enemy - but Rome's very own emperor, Theodosius I. <br> ————————-<br> Join Odo's ADophyte Army on Patreon!: https://patreon.com/adhistorypodcast<br> ————————-<br> Make a One-Time Donation to A.D. History on PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=HTNM7DAVYB478
