In the third episode of The Ancient World with Bettany Hughes, the historian takes us on a journey through one of the most forgotten cities of the ancient world, Alexandria. Located beneath the waters of the Mediterranean and a sprawling modern metropolis, this city was once one of the three great cities of the ancient world, alongside Athens and Rome.
Alexandria was a city built on a dream; a place where one man had a vision that all knowledge on earth could be stored in one place, like the worldwide web of ancient times. That man was Alexander the Great, who founded the city in 331 BC. Until its decline in the fourth and fifth centuries AD, Alexandria was a crucible of learning, where wealth and knowledge poured in from across the world.
Bettany Hughes uncovers the incredible discoveries and technical achievements of this lost civilization. She reveals the story of how Alexandria became the world’s first global center of culture. The film’s cast of characters reads like a list of the greatest figures of ancient times, including political figures like Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Cleopatra, and intellectuals like female mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher Hypatia, Euclid, Archimedes, Eratosthenes, and Ptolemy.
The documentary explores the innovative and sophisticated architecture of Alexandria, including the lighthouse of Pharos and the Great Library, which was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. Hughes takes viewers on a journey through the city’s intricate water system, which made it possible for the city to become a global trading hub.
Despite its significant achievements and contributions to the ancient world, Alexandria’s history is often forgotten or overlooked. However, with new clues emerging from the earth, we can finally begin to understand the real nature of this grand experiment in human civilization.
Overall, The Ancient World With Bettany Hughes – Alexandria The Greatest City is a fascinating and informative documentary that takes viewers on a journey through the forgotten history of one of the world’s most influential cities. Hughes’ passion for the subject is evident throughout the film, making it a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history.