The Lighthouse of Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria is one of the Seven56 m (184 ft) tall. In the middle of this section is a
Wonders of the Ancient World. It is the mostshaft and stairwell used for transporting material
recent Wonder to be built, having been built duringand fuel up the Pharos Lighthouse, and for visitors
the reign of Ptolemy I of Egypt, a commanderas well. The third section was an eight-sided
under Alexander the Great who took over controlstructure measuring roughly 27 m (90 ft) high. It
of Egypt after Alexander's death. Historicalalso contained a similar transportation shaft in the
records indicate that the Lighthouse wasmiddle.
commissioned in 290 B.C. and completed some 2On top of this was a circular tower that housed
decades later.the fire (for use to alert ships during the night)
The Lighthouse of Alexandria is also the mostand the great mirror (for use during the day). A
well-recorded of the six destroyed members ofstatue of Poseidon stood on top this tower.
the Seven Wonders of The Ancient World (theThe Pharos Lighthouse was a true wonder in
Pyramids of Giza being the only Wonder stillarchitecture and engineering, bearing similarities to
standing), since it was still in operation until amodern skyscrapers. It measured up to a
serious of earthquakes demolished the structuremodern 40-story building. The Greeks were so
over a few decades in the early 14th century.impressed with it that they included it as one of
Since it survived until so recently, the writings ofthe Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
many of the travelers who visited the LighthouseThe mirror of the Pharos Lighthouse appeared to
of Alexandria also survived till this day, vividlybe quite famous in ancient times. Many people
describing what the Lighthouse looked like andbelieved that the mirror was so smooth and
what it was used for.powerful that it could be used to reflect the sun's
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built on therays onto invading ships and burn them. Another
island of Pharos just off the coast of Alexandria,belief was that the mirror was so strong it could
Egypt. As such, it was also commonly known asbe used to observe and spy on competing
the Pharos Lighthouse. The Lighthouse wascity-states across the Mediterranean Sea, more
designed by the famed architect Sostratus, andthan 100 miles away. However, it is highly unlikely
was so complicated that it took 2 decades to bethat either of these stories are true.
completed. The best description came from theFrom historical evidence, it appears that the
writings of Arab traveler Abou-HaggagPharos Lighthouse was also a tourist attraction.
Al-Andaloussi when he visited the PharosHundreds of visitors climbed the Lighthouse
Lighthouse in 1166.everyday to enjoy the fantastic view around
The writings indicated that the structure consistedAlexandria. Food vendors also sold their goods at
of 4 main sections. At the bottom was athe top of each section of the Pharos.
platform filled with statues that are still beingHowever, the Pharos Lighthouse was damaged
discovered by present-day divers off the coastby earthquakes, becoming totally demolished in
of Alexandria. Some researchers believe thatthe early 14th century. Its ruins and location were
ships docked just off this platform as well.subsequently used by the Egyptian Sultan Qaitbay
On top of this platform stood a square structureto build a fort in 1480, thus ending the story for
measuring 18 m (60 ft) on each side and roughlythis Wonder of the World.