Crusader Kings: Prisoners of War.

Chapter 301 Scholars
At least a large library is a comprehensive institution, not only a public facility but also a scientific research institution.

Even if it was just a show of pretentiousness, the Ptolemaic kings did a good job in this matter.

For this largest library in the Mediterranean, there have been at least a hundred scholars studying profound knowledge in various disciplines for most of its history. In this era when scientific development is largely influenced by the personal interests of rulers, it is rare to achieve such stability.

That is why this place can be called the academic center of the Mediterranean world. Even now, the academic level here is higher than that of Rome, Antioch, Athens and other regions.

The research institute was very large, with many people dressed as scholars and servants walking around inside. They were a little nervous when they saw Orville, who was wearing shiny heavy armor and a conspicuous red cloak, walking in with a team of soldiers, but they still consciously made way for Orville.

Ptolemy's studio was deep inside the institute. When Orville entered, he was studying a star map, looking at something that Orville didn't understand.

In addition to him, there were several scholars who looked younger.
He bowed to Ptolemy and apologized: "I'm sorry to bother you at this time. I hope I didn't cause you too much trouble."

Ptolemy and Orville had been together for several years and were quite familiar with each other. He waved his hand generously and said, "I don't have anything serious to do. I'm just researching some trivial things. But you must have something important to tell me when you come to see me."

Seeing this, Orville got straight to the point: "I am going to draw a map, a precise map of the entire territory of Egypt, which will indicate the human and natural conditions of the entire territory of Egypt, and also mark the locations of various natural resources. This is a big project, and I can't complete it with my people alone, so I need your help."

Of course, there are maps of Egypt, but since Ptolemy invented a new method of map drawing, the old method has become a bit outdated. Orville just wanted to take the opportunity to thoroughly investigate the various resources and population conditions of Egypt, so he prepared to redraw the official map of the entire territory.

Hearing this, Ptolemy thought for a moment, then acted a little embarrassed: "I really want to help you with this, because it will also be good for my research, but it's a little difficult now."

In short, there are now fewer scholars in the library than before. Many people left to avoid the war, and many people chose to leave because of their political differences with Cleopatra. Now there are only more than 60 scholars left in the library, and only a small half of them can participate in map drawing.

Moreover, they now have a very urgent task - designing and planning the reconstruction of Alexandria and the Great Library. This matter takes up a lot of their energy, so there are actually not many people who can be sent to help in a short period of time.

In response, Orville accepted it calmly: "Well, after you have dealt with this matter, come to my house and inform me, and then we can discuss the mapping."

There is nothing I can do if the other party is unable to get away, so I can only let my people work on their own. The newly recruited doctor Galen is actually a generalist. If it really doesn't work, I can let him take the lead in this matter first.

Ptolemy bowed apologetically and said, "We can provide you with some help within our limits. We can still gather three or five people now, but it will be difficult to get more than that."

He really couldn't spare the time, as he was the only one in the library who was capable of leading the map survey. However, he also had to work on the reconstruction design of Alexander and was responsible for the research and correction of astronomy and calendar. He was really too busy.

Orville nodded slightly to express his gratitude, and was about to turn around and leave when someone called him.

"Please stay, I think I can help you!" The voice was obviously not a strong male voice, but a shrill female voice. Orville turned his head and looked in the direction of the voice. A middle-aged man was desperately grabbing a young woman's wrist and pulling her behind him.

Seeing Orvel's gaze turned to him, he hurriedly said: "Please forgive her offense! I neglected to discipline my daughter. She dared to speak nonsense without knowing her own abilities. I will educate her well in the future. Please forgive me!!"

Seeing this, Orvel laughed dumbly: "It doesn't matter. If your daughter wants to talk, let her talk. There's no harm in listening. Otherwise, I'll have made this trip in vain."

Obviously, my image in the eyes of the locals is not very good, but there is nothing I can do about it. I can only slowly repair the relationship between the two sides over time.

He believed that his ability to rule was much better than that of the eunuchs who only knew how to squeeze the marrow out of people and the governors who only focused on extortion. Over time, the locals would naturally realize who was the more qualified ruler.

Since I said so, the middle-aged man did not dare to stop me. He whispered a few words to his daughter and made way for her to come forward.

Orville took a quick look at the other person. This was a typical Greek-looking woman, quite pretty, with deep facial features, a slender figure, a decent demeanor, and seemed to have received a good education.

Orville had met her father at a banquet before. His name should be Sai Weng, and he was a well-known astronomer and mathematician. However, her daughter Orville had never met him once.

"Just briefly introduce yourself. I don't know you."

"Hypatia, daughter of Smyrna, pays tribute to you." She made a sound social gesture, and Orville nodded to indicate that the other party could stand and talk to her.

Orville had some impression of this person. She was the first female scientist recorded in history and the only woman in Raphael's famous painting "The School of Athens". She was proficient in astronomy and mathematics and also dabbled in subjects such as philosophy.

In ancient times, it was very difficult for female intellectuals to become famous. The other party had real talent, but now Orville was not sure about her level. After all, she looked only in her twenties, about the same age as Orville. From a scholar's perspective, she was very young and might not have accumulated such a high level of knowledge.

"Let's get straight to the point. How can you help me?"

"I think I can help you draw a map. When I was studying in Athens, I learned this from famous scholars there. Old Mr. Ptolemy also taught me some skills. I should have some experience in this area."

In short, she just wanted to recommend herself.

Orville looked him up and down and said, "Let me make it clear first that I believe that everything is decided by the capable. If you can prove that you have outstanding abilities, it's fine for you to come. I will give you the rewards you deserve. But you have to prove that you have the ability in this area first. This is my requirement."

(End of this chapter)