The following text discusses ancient history.
The Library of Alexandria, founded in the 3rd century BCE, was the ancient world's greatest center of learning. Scholars from across the Mediterranean gathered there to study and copy texts on subjects ranging from mathematics to poetry. Though the library's ultimate fate remains unclear—there was likely no single catastrophic destruction—its gradual decline over centuries meant the loss of countless works that existed nowhere else.
What does the text indicate about the Library of Alexandria's destruction?
It was destroyed by a single fire
It likely declined gradually rather than being destroyed at once
All its texts were successfully preserved
It was deliberately dismantled by scholars
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. The text explicitly states "there was likely no single catastrophic destruction" and refers to "gradual decline over centuries."
- Evidence: "no single catastrophic destruction" and "gradual decline."
- Reasoning: The text specifically refutes sudden destruction narratives.
- Conclusion: Gradual decline, not sudden destruction, characterized its end.
Choice A is incorrect because the text specifically contradicts this. Choice C is incorrect because "countless works" were lost. Choice D is incorrect because deliberate dismantling by scholars is not mentioned.