Final answer:
The institution looted by Caesar in 48 BC, which was subsequently destroyed, is the Library of Alexandria, a center of Hellenistic scholarship and forerunner to modern research universities. The correct option is (A)
Step-by-step explanation:
The Egyptian institution that Caesar looted scrolls from in 48 BC, which was later destroyed, is A) The Library of Alexandria. This institution was a monumental center of scholarship during the Hellenistic period, functioning as what could be considered the first research university in the Western world. Supported by the Ptolemaic government, the Library of Alexandria was dedicated to the collection and translation of the Hellenistic world's knowledge, acting as a hub for scholars to build upon its vast archives. It also featured lecture halls, making it the preeminent site of learning during its time. Unfortunately, the library suffered destruction under circumstances that remain a topic of debate, with potential culprits ranging from Julius Caesar's forces to religious extremists in later centuries.
The significance of the library extends beyond its collection, as it was officially known as the 'temple of the muses' or 'museion', a term from which the modern word 'museum' is derived. While the exact cause and date of its destruction are uncertain, the loss of the Library of Alexandria represents a profound loss of knowledge and cultural heritage, similar to the looting and destruction of museums and cultural institutions in more recent conflicts, which often goes unchecked with little international intervention.