The Ptolemies were keen to encourage Greek immigration into Egypt, tempting military settlers with land grants. The city of Alexandria offered different temptations: not only did it possess a wonder of the ancient world but it was a centre for culture, arts and science, attracting some of the leading thinkers in the Mediterranean. Great philosophers, inventors and educators shared their teachings, research and scientific endeavours with the Egyptian people, and helped to foster a love of knowledge that would see Alexandria as home to the greatest library in the ancient world.
