| I contend that Alexandria was founded on, and governed by, philosophical principles that reshaped man's worldview. When philosophy was first established in the 6th century BCE, many of these principles gradually developed into trends that expanded into areas of Hellenistic popular culture that spread well beyond groups of men contemplating the nature of existence. These fashions took the form of adaptations of existing technologies and concepts that facilitated philosophic pursuits, especially the inquiry into the nature of knowledge, the ability of man to reason, and addressing the issue of man's place in the universe. History, science, and scholarship are all byproducts of philosophic thought that combined an expanded perspective of man's place in the world with critical analysis and a systemized search for truth. Alexander's conquests provided an ideal opportunity for these fashions to develop even further, and Alexandria became the perfect location (a crucible) for such developments to grow. |
