Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria
Pharos of Alexandria · Lighthouse of Alexandria · Pharos Island Beacon
Hellenistic Ptolemaic 297–280 BCE·Greek (Ptolemaic Alexandria)·🇪🇬 Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
About
About Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria
One of Seven Ancient Wonders: >100 m lighthouse on Pharos island (c.280 BCE under Ptolemy I/II by Sostratus of Cnidus) with three tiers – square base 55 m, octagonal mid, cylindrical lantern with mirror/fire. Standing ~1600 years until earthquakes 956, 1303 and 1323 collapsed it; stones reused for Qaitbay Fort (1477) still incorporating ancient blocks. Submerged blocks located 1994 by Empereur.
Why it mattersTallest man-made structure after pyramids for 16 centuries; archetype of lighthouse eponym phare
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Height estimate 100 vs 130 m (ancient hyperbole debates)
- 02Mirror technology – polished bronze vs glass
Theories
- 01Ptolemaic lighthouse as symbol copying Mausolus?
- 02Engineering collaboration with Library Mouseion savants
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- 280 BCE completed under Ptolemy II Philadelphus
- Period
- Hellenistic Ptolemaic 297–280 BCE
- Culture
- Greek (Ptolemaic Alexandria)
- Purpose
- Navigational lighthouse and day beacon for Alexandria Great Harbor; symbol of Ptolemaic engineering
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
297 BCE
Commissioned Ptolemy I Soter
280 BCE
Completion Sostratus inscription
956
First earthquake damage
1323
Final collapse after earthquake
1477
Qaitbay Fort built from ruins
On the ground
Structures & features
31.2139° N · 29.8853° E · 0 m · 3 mapped features
Pharos Foundation (submerged)
foundationUnderwater blocks 2.5 m surveyed by Empereur off Qaitbay
31.2142° N · 29.8850° EQaitbay Citadel (spolia built)
fortress1477 fort incorporating Pharos blocks and 3rd c. sculptures
31.2139° N · 29.8852° EAncient Great Harbor entrance
harborChannel between Pharos islet and mainland Heptastadion causeway
31.2130° N · 29.8840° E
Gallery