The Lost Library
The Lost Library is one of the most important discoveries that Lara has made. Certainly the ruins of the building have not been established - only the rough location has been guessed at. The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina that now stands near the site is both a commemoration and a continuation of the original's function.
The areas of study apparent in the library are very apparent. It is clear that the fields of engineering, hydraulics, music, astronomy, mathematics and philosophy were among the main concerns of the scholars here.
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Summary
Lara enters the forecourt of the Library, facing a huge pair of double doors, flanked by huge ceramic vases and benches. To all sides are doors to study rooms and other areas where the scholars demonstrate their expertise.
One of the first areas that Lara explores will be those that deal with mechanics and hydraulics. Here she will face various traps and adversaries in her search for the keys to enter the area dedicated to astronomy. Here Lara must place representations of the planets Earth, Venus and Mars, the sun and the moon correctly to proceed.
From here, Lara comes upon a seven-pointed star with statues of fire breathing serpents at each point. She will have to use mathematics to work out how to get every single burner alight, at which point platforms will rise to a space in the ceiling. Here she will be able to access the upper gallery of the library.
The main point of getting into the Lost Library is to collect the Pharos Pillar to gain access into the Temple of Isis below Pharos Island. The only way to exit the level is to play a few key notes on a large harp. This will open a door in the scoll racks to allow a chain to be pulled and open the main doors into the Hall of Demetrius.
Links
Notes
The Library of Alexandria may have been founded shortly after the city's creation by the conquering Alexander the Great. What Lara has found may only be a small part of the original complex, as much of the library was destroyed by successive waves of invaders from Rome and Arabia.
This may explain the varying traps that she finds - either to deter invaders, or to encourage a more athletic and muscular type of scholar.
The mechanical warriors that are found in the library are a real mystery, but their weak point (the gems inbedded in their chests) may also be their main motive force. It is not known what the gems are made from, or where they have come from, but they seem to provide motive force and conduction.
It also reveals the Greek concept of a universe centred around the Earth, revolved by the moon, Venus, Mars and the sun. However the relative sizes of the celestial bodies are correct, as well as the moon being the closest to the Earth.
The Fire Serpent Puzzle demonstrates a knowledge of geometry and mathematics. Knowledge of pyrotechnics is also apparent in the upper rooms.
The many scrolls kept in the library are left in a state of untidiness and lack of organisation. Perhaps the scholars were disturbed by an invading army and left as soon as they could, leaving the traps and mechanisms to deal with any intruders - including Lara Croft.
Enemies
Gallery
The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
