Did the fire at the Library of Alexandria set humanity back?
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Author Sam Kean explores our fascination with lost knowledge in his new book, “The Museum of Lost Things”
In 48 B.C.E., a massive fire ripped through the Library of Alexandria in Egypt, one of the largest and most significant ancient libraries. An estimated 100,000 works of literature were lost. Throughout history, there are lots of examples of things being “lost”: cities, like Pompeii, graves of figures like Genghis Khan, and works of art from masters like Leonardo di Vinci.
Author Sam Kean explores these historical losses in his new book, “The Museum of Lost Things.” He joins Host Ira Flatow to discuss what we can learn from them.
Guest:
Sam Kean is the author of eight books, including “The Museum of Lost Things." He is based in Washington, D.C.
Transcript will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.
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