Lighthouse of Alexandria

Attribution:

Wonders_

Key Dates

The tower was built in the 3rd century BC (between 285 and 247 BC). The lighthouse was badly damaged in the earthquake of 956, then again in 1303 and 1323. The stubby remnants had disappeared by 1480.

Alexandria

Egypt

Key People

The building project was initiated by Satrap (governor) Ptolemy I Soter, Egypt’s first Macedonian ruler and a general of Alexander the Great. After Alexander died unexpectedly at age 32, Ptolemy Soter – who made himself king in 305 BC – ordered the construction of the Pharos shortly thereafter. The building was finished during the reign of his son, Ptolemy Philadelphos. The fullest description of it comes from the Arab traveler Abou Haggag Youssef Ibn Mohammed el-Andaloussi, who visited the structure as a tourist in 1166.

Ptolemy II Philadelphus

Alexander the Great

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a tower built on the island of Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt to serve as that port’s landmark, and later, its lighthouse. With a height variously estimated at between 115 and 135 metres it was identified as one of the original Seven Wonders of the World by Antipater of Sidon. It may have been the world's third tallest building after the two Great Pyramids (of Khufu and Khafra) for its entire life.
    As the Egyptian coast is very flat and lacking in the kind of landmarks used at the time for navigation, a marker of some sort at the mouth of the harbour was deemed necessary – a function the Pharos was initially designed to serve. Use of the building as a lighthouse, with a fire and reflective mirrors at the top, is thought to date to around the 1st century AD, during the Roman period. Prior to that time the Pharos served solely as a landmark or day beacon.
    There are ancient claims the light from the lighthouse could be seen from up to 35 mi (56 km) away. Unconfirmed legends say the light from Pharos could burn enemy ships before they reached shore.
    What was left of the tower in 1480 – after it was had been felled by various earthquakes – the then-Sultan of Egypt, Qaitbay, used to build a medieval fort on its former location. Some remains of the lighthouse were found on the floor of Alexandria’s Eastern Harbour by divers in fall of 1994. It is still possible to go diving and see the ruins.

Admission Fee

Admission Free

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