Pharos alexandria reconstruction

Digital reconstruction of the Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, with historical and architectural details.

About this subject

The Pharos of Alexandria was built between 280 and 247 BC under Ptolemy II on the island of Pharos in the harbor of the Egyptian city. Standing about 120 to 140 meters tall, it was one of the tallest structures of the ancient world and guided sailors for centuries. The digital reconstruction faithfully depicts its three tiers: a square base, an octagonal middle section, and a cylindrical top crowned by a statue of Zeus or Poseidon. A metal mirror is thought to have reflected the firelight, visible up to 50 kilometers away.

The reconstruction is based on descriptions by historians such as Pliny the Elder and on Roman coins depicting the lighthouse. Underwater excavations in the harbor of Alexandria have uncovered massive stone blocks belonging to the structure, confirming its dimensions. Modern reconstructions, such as the one displayed at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, combine archaeological data with computer modeling to recreate the original appearance.

The lighthouse influenced the design of signal towers throughout the Mediterranean and gave rise to the word "lighthouse" in many languages. It was ultimately destroyed by earthquakes between the 10th and 14th centuries. The image we see is an artistic representation in photography of a digital model, allowing us to appreciate the grandeur of this lost wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly was the Pharos of Alexandria like?

It was a three-tiered tower with a square base, octagonal middle, and cylindrical top, topped with a statue. It stood about 120-140 meters tall and used a fire reflected by a metal mirror to guide ships.

On what historical sources is the reconstruction of the Pharos of Alexandria based?

The main sources are descriptions from ancient historians like Pliny the Elder and Strabo, Roman coins depicting the lighthouse, and underwater archaeological finds in the harbor of Alexandria.

Where can I see a reconstruction of the lighthouse today?

A reconstruction is on display at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt. Additionally, digital models and 3D reconstructions are available online and in virtual reality platforms.