The Lighthouse of Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria is a beautiful sightseeing place. But what is it?

By: Jorge Laboy-Bulancea, Journalist

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was a towering lighthouse located on the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. The lighthouse was built by the Ptolemaic Kingdom in the third century BC and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The lighthouse was constructed on the island of Pharos, which was connected to the mainland by a causeway. The tower was approximately 120 meters tall and was constructed of white marble blocks. The lighthouse was designed to guide ships into the harbor of Alexandria and was equipped with a large fire that was visible for miles.

The construction of the lighthouse was completed during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, who ruled from 283 to 246 BC. The tower was built by the architect Sostratus of Cnidus, who used a combination of Greek and Egyptian architectural styles in the design.

The lighthouse was considered a marvel of engineering and architecture at the time of its construction. The tower was equipped with a system of mirrors that reflected the light from the fire, making it visible even during the day. The lighthouse was also equipped with a large bronze statue of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria stood for over a thousand years, guiding ships into the harbor of Alexandria. However, the tower was damaged by several earthquakes over the centuries, and the final destruction of the lighthouse is believed to have occurred in the 14th century AD.

Today, very little remains of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. However, the legacy of the tower lives on, and it continues to inspire awe and admiration in those who study its history. The Lighthouse of Alexandria remains a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient architects and engineers who built it.

RELATED ARTICLES:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/lighthouse-of-Alexandria

https://egyptianmuseum.org/explore/greco-and-roman-period-lighthouse-alexandria

https://www.memphistours.com/Egypt/Egypt-Wikis/Alexandria-Attractions/wiki/Light-House

https://www.wonders-of-the-world.net/Seven/Lighthouse-of-Alexandria.php

http://www.unmuseum.org/pharos.html

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