The Lighthouse of Alexandria or Pharos Lighthouse is a beacon for seafarers and a brilliant display of power, wealth and technology in the ancient world. It dominates the coast for over 1500 years.
Strategically positioned on the island of Pharos, extending into the Mediterranean Sea, the Lighthouse is a Wonder of the Ancient World. It gives a clear view of the ocean. For centuries sailors depend on its light.
Alexandria is a mix of Greek, Roman and Egyptian influences. The city is founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. Alexander dies suddenly in 323 BCE, and the Ptolemaic dynasty, named for one of his generals, begins.
The Ptolemies support art, literature and trade. They build a great library rising to world fame. The city becomes a center of philosophy. Medical schools are famed especially for studies in human anatomy. Glass making booms.
Trade items of Egypt like papyrus, salt fish, grain and linen help make Alexandria a center of commerce and culture. The lighthouse facilitates safe passage of ships transporting metal, dyes, jewels, spices and people.
Construction of the Lighthouse begins 280 BCE during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus and is completed c. 247 BCE. Designed by Greek architect Sostratus of Cnidus, the Lighthouse operates for nearly 1500 years.
In ancient times the Island of Pharos connects to the mainland with a man-made causeway, the Heptastadion. It forms the western side of the city's Great Harbor.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are first selected by Hellenic travelers in Persian, Babylonian and Egyptian territories, described in travel guides, art and poetry. The lighthouse is of major value to tourism.
The finished height of the Pharos is between 100-137m (330-450 ft), making it one of the tallest structures in the world at the time. The Statue of Liberty for comparison is 93m (305 ft) tall.
The Pharos is made of blocks of locally quarried limestone and marble, the metamorphic form of limestone. It's constructed in three distinct stages, tapering upward.
The limestone blocks are carefully fitted together using molten lead as a mortar, giving the structure stability in the face of the elements. Marble is used for decorative elements and the lantern chamber.
Base: A square lower section containing administrative offices, storage rooms, and possibly even stables.
Octagonal Mid-Section: Octagonal walls distribute weight and provide stability.
Cylindrical Top: This holds the lighthouse's lantern, where fire burns to generate the guiding light.
Fuel such as wood or oil is taken up the tower by a spiral ramp inside the structure. It may have been wide enough to accommodate animals or a pulley system.
Light from the fire is amplified and projected seaward using a sophisticated system of polished bronze or metal mirrors. Carefully positioned within the lantern chamber, they reflect the fire's light.
This creates a powerful beam seen up to 56 km (35 mi) away, and gives rise to the legend it can destroy enemy ships. During the day, white sails on the lighthouse catch the sun to signal the entry point for incoming vessels.
The word Pharos becomes synonymous with lighthouse. In early medieval times the structure starts its journey to decay. It's cracked and damaged by earthquakes in 796 and 951 and suffers from another in 956, causing the top 20 m (66 ft) to collapse.
Earthquakes originate from two tectonic boundaries, the African-Arabian and Red Sea Rift zones, respectively 350 and 520 km from the lighthouse. The earthquake of 956 causes the structure's top 20 m (66ft) to collapse.
Devastating earthquakes in , 1303 and 1323 severely damage the remnants of the structure. By the late 15th century, it crumbles completely. Some of its blocks are salvaged to build the citadel now on the island.
For centuries, Pharos is one of the tallest man-made structures globally. Its groundbreaking design influences countless other lighthouses, including the famous Tower of Hercules in Spain and Phare de Cordouan in France.
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