Wonder of Ancient World

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built in the 3rd century BCE on the island of Pharos, off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, it was the second tallest man-made structure of its time, second in height only to the Giza Pyramids. With an estimated height of over 100m, it was the tallest lighthouse ever built by Humans until the construction of Jeddah Light in Saudi Arabia in the 20th century.

Commissioned by Ptolemy I Soter and completed during the reign of his son Ptolemy II, the lighthouse was designed to guide sailors safely into the busy harbor of Alexandria, one of the most important cities of the ancient world. Its construction was overseen by the Greek architect Sostratus of Cnidus, who is often credited with the inscription that reportedly adorned its base, dedicating the structure to the "Savior Gods" on behalf of those who sail the seas.

The lighthouse's design was practical and ornate. It featured three tiers: a square base, a hexagonal midsection, and a circular top, capped with a statue believed to have been of Zeus or Poseidon. It was constructed using light-colored stone to stand out during the day and included a furnace at the top to project light at night. Some historical sources suggest that the lighthouse may have employed mirrors to reflect sunlight during the day, further enhancing its visibility.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was destroyed after multiple earthquakes in the 15th century and replaced with a fort. However, it left a lasting impact on the city, which is now the second-largest in Egypt. The city was founded by Alexander the Great less than 100 years before the construction of the lighthouse. This serves as a reminder of how quickly humans can build iconic structures and redefine a city's importance.

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