Lighthouse of Alexandria(Pharos Lighthouse)

By Josh Mehling

Location

• Eastern point of Pharos island• Built around 290 – 270 BC• Nothing is left today because it toppled in

1303 AD by an earthquake

Purpose

• Alexander the Great chose the location, and Ptolemy authorized the building

• Built to guide ships to Alexandria’s harbor• Mirrors reflected light from fire out to the

water

Uniqueness

• It WAS the first lighthouse in the world and the tallest building in existence

• It took 20 years to build• It was stone faced with white marble blocks

with lead mortar

Ancient Foresight

• Lighthouses began to be built in more areas because of the success of the Pharos Lighthouse (e.g.: Boston Light)

• The Lighthouse of Alexandria is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World

Sources

• www.unmuseum.mus.pa.us/pharos.htm