THE LIGHTHOUSE AT PHAROS

The lighthouse at Pharos is an ancient lighthouse which was

built around 280-279 BC based on the plans of the architect

Sostratus and at the behest of Ptolemy I , completed during the reign of his son Ptolemy II. It is

possible that the originator of the construction of the lighthouse was the same Alexander of Macedon . Due to its size and shape it was

thought to be one of the wonders of the ancient world .

WHERE?:

The lighthouse was located on the coastal island of Pharos in the Mediterranean which is connected with the mainland by a mole

called Heptastadion , a part of the entrance to the port of Alexandria in Egypt.

The tower was estimated to be 115~120 m high. The botton tier was

square in shape, middle tier was octagonal, and final tier was circular. The dome resting on eight columns

was on the top. There was a 7-meter statue of Poseidon standing on the dome. It was the highest and the

biggest structure during that days.

 

After dusk the lanterns were lit. Brushwood was delivered to the top of the tower on the

backs of donkeys. Metal mirrors reflected light which was visible from several

kilometers and helped sailors navigate well to Alexandria.