The Library of Ashurbanipal

- Ashurbanipal (668-627 BCE) wasn't just one of the greatest emperors of the ancient world, but also the most cultured and enlightened.

- H.G. Wells in his book "The Outline of History" described it as "the most valuable source of historical material in the world."

- Established in the 7th century BCE, it housed over 30,000 clay tablets, making it indeed "the most valuable, oldest, and largest library known in ancient history."

- When Ashurbanipal decided to create this library, he dispatched his scribes across Mesopotamia to collect everything they could find in royal palaces, from kings and rulers of ancient and contemporary Mesopotamia, written in both Sumerian and Akkadian languages. He instructed them to re-copy damaged tablets, translate Sumerian texts into Akkadian, the language of the Assyrians, and preserve thousands of clay tablets representing the heritage of Mesopotamia in all branches of knowledge. They indexed and categorized them, placing them on uniform shelves.

The Library of Ashurbanipal stands as a testament to the intellectual curiosity and scholarly pursuits of ancient Mesopotamia, preserving invaluable knowledge and insights into the civilizations of the time. Its significance transcends mere historical documentation, representing a beacon of enlightenment and cultural richness in the ancient world.The Library of Ashurbanipal eventually disappeared due to various factors over time. One major reason was the fall of the Assyrian Empire itself. Following the death of Ashurbanipal, the empire faced internal strife, external invasions, and ultimately fell to the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 612 BCE. This conquest likely led to the destruction and looting of the library by the conquerors.

Additionally, the library may have suffered from neglect and decay over the centuries, as well as the gradual loss of interest in its contents as political and cultural shifts occurred in the region. Natural disasters, such as fires or floods, could have also contributed to its demise.

The exact fate of the library remains unclear, as there are no definitive historical records detailing its destruction or dispersal. However, it is widely believed that the once-great Library of Ashurbanipal met its end through a combination of conquest, neglect, and the passage of time.