Public libraries trace back to ancient Assyrian temples
The concept of public libraries originated in ancient Assyrian temples over 2,500 years ago, where scribes and priests collected and shared knowledge on clay tablets.
The idea of public libraries began in ancient Assyrian temples over 2,500 years ago. In what is now Iraq, priests and scribes collected vast numbers of cuneiform tablets, covering everything from laws to literature. King Ashurbanipal's famous library in Nineveh, established around 668 BCE, held over 30,000 tablets.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
2 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz