City of Wisdom and Blood: A Journey Through the Heart of Ancient Alexandria

In ancient times, Alexandria, Egypt, was a beacon of knowledge and culture, a crossroads of civilizations and a melting pot of ideas. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria quickly rose to prominence as a center of learning and scholarship. Its famed Library of Alexandria housed one of the largest collections of books in the ancient world, and its scholars made groundbreaking discoveries in fields ranging from astronomy to medicine.

City of Wisdom and Blood: Fortunes of France: Volume 2

by Leslie Marlow

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1369 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	576 pages
Item Weight	:	3.17 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 0.15 x 8.27 inches
Paperback	:	64 pages

FREE

In "City of Wisdom and Blood," acclaimed historian Justin Pollard takes us on a vivid and immersive journey through the streets of ancient Alexandria. Through the eyes of its inhabitants, we witness the city's rise and fall, its triumphs and tragedies. We meet its famous thinkers, including Euclid, Archimedes, and Hypatia, and we learn about the vibrant intellectual and cultural life that flourished within its walls.

But Alexandria was not just a city of scholars. It was also a bustling commercial hub, a melting pot of cultures, and a hotbed of political intrigue. Pollard paints a vivid portrait of the city's diverse population, from its wealthy merchants to its impoverished laborers. He shows us the city's vibrant markets, its bustling harbor, and its infamous red-light district.

Pollard also explores the darker side of Alexandria's history. The city was often wracked by violence and political upheaval. In 48 BC, Julius Caesar laid siege to Alexandria, burning down part of the Library in the process. In 27 BC, the city was conquered by Octavian, who later became the Roman emperor Augustus. Under Roman rule, Alexandria continued to be a center of learning, but it also became a symbol of imperial power and oppression.

"City of Wisdom and Blood" is a captivating and illuminating account of one of the most important cities in ancient history. Pollard's vivid prose and meticulous research bring the city to life, and he provides a nuanced and insightful look at its complex and often contradictory history.

Whether you are a history buff, a lover of ancient cultures, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, "City of Wisdom and Blood" is a must-read. It is a book that will transport you to another time and place, and it will leave you with a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Praise for "City of Wisdom and Blood"

"A masterpiece of historical writing. Pollard brings ancient Alexandria to life with vivid prose and meticulous research. A must-read for anyone interested in ancient history or the history of ideas." - Bettany Hughes, author of "The Hemlock Cup"

"A fascinating and illuminating account of one of the most important cities in ancient history. Pollard provides a nuanced and insightful look at Alexandria's complex and often contradictory history." - Peter Frankopan, author of "The Silk Roads"

"A gripping and immersive journey through the streets of ancient Alexandria. Pollard's vivid storytelling and rich historical detail make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the ancient world." - Tom Holland, author of "Rubicon"

City of Wisdom and Blood: Fortunes of France: Volume 2

by Leslie Marlow

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1369 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	576 pages
Item Weight	:	3.17 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.83 x 0.15 x 8.27 inches
Paperback	:	64 pages

FREE