The Royal Library of Antioch was built by Antiochus III, also known as Antiochus the Great, of the Seleucid Empire. This empire was a kingdom that followed Alexander the Great’s empire. The library was created around 221 B.C. in the city of Antioch, which is now called Antakya. It was opened for scholars to use. Euphorion of Chalcis, a highly respected Greek poet, accepted a challenge from the king and helped establish the library. He also worked as the main librarian until he passed away.

Destruction

Sometimes mistaken for the Library of Antioch, a passage in the writings of John of Antioch (7th century) is the first known record describing the destruction of a separate building. This building was originally a temple from the time of Emperor Hadrian, later converted into a library by Julian the Apostate. The event was carried out by Emperor Jovian. Historians suggest the main reason for the destruction may have been religious, though some believe it was due to social, economic, and ethnic differences. Other historians have questioned whether this event actually happened.

The Museion

Scholars are not sure if another building was also part of the Royal Library. Between 114 B.C. and 92 B.C., during the rule of Antiochus IX (114–95 B.C.) or Antiochus X (95–92 B.C.), the city of Antioch received money from the will of Maron, a merchant who lived in Athens but was born in Antioch. This money was used to build a Museum with a library.

The Museion in Antioch was similar to the one in Alexandria, though Alexandria’s was built first. The most famous part of Alexandria’s Museion was its large library, and Antioch’s also had a significant library.

These Museions began as places of worship for the Muses but later became early universities. Alexandria’s Museion became very famous and produced many well-known artists and thinkers over time. Antioch’s Museion, however, had less famous achievements.

The Museion in Antioch was located on the lower slopes of Mt. Silpius, near the "old" city but on the higher side of the colonnaded street. A report in the Vatican Codex, as described by Stinespring, mentions this building:

"Buildings for learning were constructed. One of these was a circular structure with a dome 100 cubits high. Inside, there was a model of the heavens, including stars, zodiac signs, and horoscopes. Scholars and Brahmins worked together to create this model, ensuring that everything in the real sky had a matching representation, such as the sun and moon."

According to Lassus, the Museion was near the Epiphania agora and was founded during the reign of Antiochus Philopator. It was destroyed by fire during the time of Emperor Tiberius, rebuilt by Marcus Aurelius, and later improved under Emperor Probus. In 438 A.D., it was decorated by Empress Eudoxia. Constantine later converted it into the prefectory of the comes Orientis, the main Byzantine official in the Eastern Empire. However, it was burned down in a riot by the Green faction on July 9, 507.