Pharos alexandria reconstruction

Digital reconstruction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which guided sailors in Egypt's harbor for centuries.

About this subject

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built between 299 and 279 BC on the island of Pharos, near the city's harbor. Designed by the architect Sostratus of Cnidus and funded by Ptolemy I, it was a tower approximately 130 meters tall, made of stone blocks. Its purpose was to guide commercial and military ships approaching the busy port of Alexandria, then one of the largest commercial and cultural centers in the Mediterranean.

The structure consisted of three distinct sections. The base was square, the middle section octagonal, and the top cylindrical, where a statue stood, some historians believe it was of Zeus or Poseidon. During the day, a large metal mirror reflected sunlight, and at night a fire was lit to guide sailors. This innovative system made the lighthouse a landmark for ancient navigation.

The lighthouse stood for over a thousand years but was severely damaged by earthquakes between the 10th and 14th centuries. The final blow came in 1303 when a tremor destroyed much of the structure. In the 15th century, the Mamluk sultan Qaitbay used the remaining stones to build a fortress on the same site, the Citadel of Qaitbay, which still exists. In 1994, underwater archaeologists found blocks and statues from the lighthouse on the harbor floor, providing valuable clues about its appearance.

Digital reconstructions like this one allow us to visualize the grandeur of the lighthouse, which influenced the architecture of later lighthouses worldwide, such as the Lighthouse of Genoa. The Lighthouse of Alexandria remains a symbol of Hellenistic engineering and is a frequent subject of studies and exhibitions, including at the National Museum of Alexandria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Lighthouse of Alexandria?

It was a tower built in the 3rd century BC on the island of Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, about 130 meters tall. It served to guide ships in the port of Alexandria.

Why was the Lighthouse of Alexandria destroyed?

It was damaged by a series of earthquakes between the 10th and 14th centuries, with the final blow in 1303. Later, its stones were reused to build the Citadel of Qaitbay.

Are there remains of the Lighthouse of Alexandria?

Yes, in 1994 archaeologists found stone blocks and statues on the seabed of the port of Alexandria. Some of these blocks are displayed in the underwater museum and the National Museum of Alexandria.