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The Library of Ctesiphon, located in the capital of the ancient Sasanian Empire, is one of the most notable examples of centers of knowledge in Antiquity. Ctesiphon, located on the banks of the Tigris River near modern Baghdad, was an important cultural and political center for several centuries, housing one of the largest collections of texts from the ancient world.
Founded in the 3rd century AD, the Library of Ctesiphon flourished under the reign of the Sasanian kings, who valued knowledge and culture. The library was a repository of vast collections of scientific, literary, religious and philosophical works, written in several languages, including Persian, Greek, Sanskrit and Aramaic. Among his treasures were texts on medicine, astronomy, mathematics, as well as philosophical and religious treatises.
The library was not only a repository of books, but also an active center for translation and intellectual exchange. Scholars from different parts of the world gathered at Ctesiphon to translate and comment on important works, promoting a vibrant exchange of ideas between Persian, Greek, Indian and Mesopotamian cultures. This period of intense intellectual activity helped to preserve and transmit much knowledge from Antiquity to future generations.
One of the most notable figures associated with the Library of Ctesiphon was the Persian sage Borzouyeh, who traveled to India in search of medical and philosophical texts. He brought back the famous collection of fables known as "Panchatantra", which was translated into Persian and significantly influenced Persian and world literature.
Unfortunately, the glory of Ctesiphon and his library did not last forever. In 637 AD, the city was sacked by Arab armies during the expansion of Islam, resulting in the destruction of many of its cultural treasures.