The Lighthouse of Alexandria, sometimes called the Pharos of Alexandria, was a lighthouse built by the Ptolemaic Kingdom, during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (280–247 BC). One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, for many centuries it was one of the tallest man-made structures in the world.

The lighthouse was severely damaged by three earthquakes between AD 956 and 1323 and became an abandoned ruin. It was the third longest surviving ancient wonder (after the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the extant Great Pyramid of Giza), surviving in part until 1480, when the last of its remnant stones were used to build the Citadel of Qaitbay on the site.

ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL OF THE ANCIENT WORLD

The Lighthouse of Alexandria stood as a testament to ancient engineering prowess. Its innovative three-tiered design consisted of a lower square section, a middle octagonal section, and a circular top. This structure not only provided stability but also allowed for an impressive height, making it visible from great distances at sea.

ILLUMINATION TECHNIQUES

Ancient seafarers relied on the lighthouse’s powerful beam to navigate treacherous waters. While the exact method of illumination remains debated, many historians believe a large mirror was used to reflect sunlight during the day. At night, a fire was likely maintained at the top, with the mirror amplifying its glow. Some accounts even suggest the use of a primitive fresnel lens system to focus the light.

CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS

Built from massive limestone blocks and granite, the lighthouse’s construction was a feat of ancient logistics. Engineers used molten lead to secure the stones together, providing additional strength against the constant battering of sea waves. The structure’s durability is evidenced by its partial survival for over 1,600 years, despite numerous earthquakes and storms.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was more than a navigational aid; it became a symbol of Ptolemaic power and Hellenistic culture. Its image appeared on ancient coins and was described in numerous texts, cementing its place in the cultural imagination of the ancient world. The lighthouse also housed a center of learning, where scholars studied oceanography and navigation.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES

Recent underwater excavations have yielded fascinating insights into the lighthouse’s structure and decoration. Archaeologists have recovered numerous artifacts, including colossal statues, sphinxes, and architectural elements, providing tangible links to this lost wonder. These findings continue to refine our understanding of the lighthouse’s appearance and cultural context.

LEGACY AND INFLUENCE

The Lighthouse of Alexandria’s design influenced lighthouse construction for centuries. Its tri-partite structure and the use of a mirror to amplify light were replicated in numerous lighthouses across the Mediterranean and beyond. Even today, modern lighthouses owe much to the innovative design principles first employed in Alexandria.