Dashed left edge = started before this timeline ·
Dashed right edge = still ongoing
Events in 285 BC 1
285 BC – 246 BCLibrary of Alexandria -- all human knowledgeThe Library of Alexandria, developed under Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285-246 BC), holds between 400,000 and 700,000 scrolls. Its scholars produce the first critical editions of Homer, develop geometry (Euclid), measure the Earth's circumference (Eratosthenes), catalogue the stars (Hipparchus) and lay the foundations of ancient science. It is the greatest intellectual institution of the ancient world.