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What Was the Lighthouse of Alexandria?
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was the second-tallest building in antiquity behind the Pyramids of Giza the tower was enormous, rising 90 to 120 meters
It was one of the most reliable and inventive tools ever developed to help ships sail safely for about 1500 years and large bronze mirrors reflected sunlight throughout the day to guide ships far out to sea, and a huge fire on top at night gave mariners a brilliant signal
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Where Was the Lighthouse of Alexandria Located?
From the top of the Alexandria lighthouse, which overlooked the Mediterranean Sea, the city was positioned as a crucial port of call on one of the busiest ancient trade routes. The Heptastadion, a stone causeway, connected Pharos Island off the coast of Alexandria to the mainland and formed two crowded harbors. The lighthouse of Alexandria location gave the city strong local power and wide influence
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When Was the Lighthouse of Alexandria Built?
Under Ptolemy I's rule, construction began in late 284 BC and it was finished by his successor, Ptolemy II, between the years 280 and 247 BC. It took nearly 12 years and a small silver fortune to complete Once finished the massive lighthouse of Alexandria quickly became one of the world's tallest and most sacred landmarks
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Why Was the Lighthouse of Alexandria Built?
The tower’s main purpose was safety. Ships approaching the harbors of lighthouse Alexandria Egypt had to avoid hidden reefs and shallow waters. By day the mirrors shone brightly, and by night the fire blazed, keeping sailors safe. But it wasn’t only about guiding ships. The lighthouse also stood as a proud symbol of Alexandria’s wealth and power.
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Who Designed the Lighthouse of Alexandria?
The designer was Sostratus of Cnidus a skilled Greek builder, At first the rulers wanted their own names carved on the stone, Sostratus secretly wrote his own name and covered it with plaster and when the plaster fell away his name appeared and he became known forever, His design later became a model for many lighthouses around the world
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What Did the Lighthouse Look Like?
The Alexandria Pharos lighthouse was built from granite and limestone in three main parts and at the bottom there was a square base and above it stood an eight sided middle tower
On the top was a round section that may have held a mirror or a statue inside there were ramps so workers could carry wood and fuel to keep the fire burning the lighthouse was useful and also beautiful combining smart design with strong building skills
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How Long Did the Lighthouse Stand?
The great lighthouse at alexandria stood for nearly 1500 years and it was damaged by earthquakes in 796 AD and again in 951 AD and by the 1300s it finally fell down Later Sultan Qaitbay used its stones to build his fortress which still stands today on the same spot
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What Happened After Its Collapse?
Even after it fell, travelers wrote about the Pharos with wonder. In 1968, ruins were found underwater in Alexandria’s harbor, and in 1994 divers discovered more giant blocks and statues. Today, anyone diving in the area can still see pieces of the lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt. UNESCO and Egypt have even discussed creating an underwater museum to display these remains.
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Is the Lighthouse of Alexandria Still Important Today?
Even though the lighthouse of Alexandria today no longer stands, its fame has never faded. Writers like Julius Caesar and Ibn Battuta described it in their works. On the same site, the Citadel of Qaitbay now rises, keeping the memory alive. A smaller lighthouse nearby also honors the legend. For historians and travelers, the story of the Pharos continues to inspire.
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What Are the Facts About the Lighthouse of Alexandria?
- It was approximately 120 meters in height, and it was one of the tallest buildings in the world at that time
- Its intensity was such that it could be viewed from over 50 kilometers away by sailors and guided them onto shore safely
- Ancient writers described statues placed on top of it, which might have made it even more gorgeous
- Most importantly, it was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a distinction few monuments could ever aspire to attain
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Why Should I Learn About the Lighthouse of Alexandria?
The story of the lighthouse of Alexandria is more than history and it shows human creativity and the desire to achieve great things
Even if the tower is gone its memory still shines bright if this wonder makes you want to see Egypt’s treasures Step to Egypt can take you there
Walk through ancient history explore Alexandria and feel the magic of standing where the Pharos lighthouse once stood high over the sea
The Pharos Lighthouse also known as the Lighthouse of Alexandria was an Ancient World wonder and it stood on Pharos Island for centuries safely directing mariners into Alexandria Egypt's busy harbor and it was not just a great big tower but also a symbol of arrogant city and a marvelous engineering accomplishment