Pharos alexandria reconstruction

Reconstruction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which guided ships in the Egyptian harbor since 280 BC.

About this subject

The Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos) was one of the most iconic structures of antiquity, built on the island of Pharos near the harbor of the Egyptian city of Alexandria. Constructed between 284 and 280 BC under Ptolemy I and completed by his son Ptolemy II, the lighthouse was designed by the Greek architect Sostratus of Cnidus. Estimates of its height range from 100 to 137 meters, making it the tallest man-made structure of its time, surpassed only by the pyramids of Giza. The light was produced by a large fire at the top and reflected by polished bronze mirrors, visible up to 50 kilometers away.

The lighthouse endured for centuries but was damaged by several earthquakes, especially in the 13th and 14th centuries. In 1480, the Mamluk sultan Qaitbay used its ruins to build a fortress on the same site, the Qaitbay Citadel, which still stands. The exact location of the lighthouse was confirmed by underwater archaeologists in the 1990s, when stone blocks and statues were found on the seabed of Alexandria's harbor.

Reconstructions of the Lighthouse of Alexandria are common in historical studies and architectural models, such as the one depicted in the image. Modern reconstruction proposals, like that of Egyptian architect Naguib Amin (2015), attempt to recreate its appearance based on descriptions by historians like Strabo and on Roman coins that depicted it. The original lighthouse was a three-tiered structure: a square stone base, an octagonal midsection, and a circular top with a statue of Zeus or Poseidon. Despite uncertainties about details, its maritime importance and engineering marvel remain unquestioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built the Lighthouse of Alexandria?

The lighthouse was commissioned by Ptolemy I and completed by his son Ptolemy II, with design by the Greek architect Sostratus of Cnidus.

What was the estimated height of the Lighthouse of Alexandria?

Estimates range from 100 to 137 meters, making it one of the tallest structures of antiquity.

What remains of the Lighthouse of Alexandria today?

Stone blocks and statues have been found on the seabed of Alexandria's harbor. On the original site stands the Qaitbay Citadel, built from the lighthouse's ruins.