Lighthouse of Alexandria A Marvel of the Ancient World

The Beacon of Alexandria: Engineering Masterpiece

The Lighthouse of Alexandria , built in the 3rd century BCE on Pharos Island in the city founded by Alexander the Great, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and among the first lighthouses in history. Designed by Sostratus of Cnidus during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the lighthouse consisted of three sections: a square base, an octagonal middle, and a cylindrical top, reaching a height of 100-130 meters. During the day, bronze mirrors reflected sunlight, and at night, a massive fire projected light visible up to 50 kilometers away. At its summit stood a colossal bronze statue, believed to depict either Zeus or Poseidon. Serving both as a beacon for sailors and a defensive structure, the lighthouse was destroyed by earthquakes in the 14th century, with its remnants later repurposed for the construction of the Ottoman-era Citadel of Qaitbay. The name "Pharos" became synonymous with lighthouses in many languages, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria remains a symbol of ancient engineering brilliance and maritime history.

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