The ancient civilization credited with the Great Library located in Alexandria is ancient Egypt, specifically during the Hellenistic period following the conquests of Alexander the Great. Established in the 3rd century BCE, the Library of Alexandria was part of the larger Mouseion, a temple dedicated to the Muses. It became a center of learning and scholarship, housing thousands of scrolls, including works of literature, science, and philosophy. The library symbolized the pursuit of knowledge and was a vibrant intellectual hub until its decline due to various political and social upheavals.