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Certainly! Let’s delve into more details about the Lighthouse of Pharos:
Origin and Location:
The Lighthouse of Pharos, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was a monumental lighthouse built by the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Ancient Egypt during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (280–247 BCE).
It stood on the island of Pharos, located on the western edge of the Nile Delta, opposite the city of Alexandria.
The island was connected to Alexandria by a mole called the Heptastadion, spanning over 1,200 meters (approximately 0.75 miles)1.
Architectural Marvel:
The lighthouse was a technological triumph and became the archetype for all lighthouses since.
Standing at least 100 meters (approximately 330 feet) in overall height, it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and, for centuries, one of the tallest man-made structures globally1.
Its construction was attributed to Sostratus of Cnidus, possibly commissioned by Ptolemy I Soter, and completed during the reign of Ptolemy II1.
Structure and Design:
The lighthouse was built in three stages:
The lowest stage was square.
The middle stage was octagonal.
The top stage was cylindrical.
A broad spiral ramp led to the top, where a fire burned at night to guide ships.
Some accounts mention a huge statue crowning the lighthouse, possibly representing either Alexander the Great or Ptolemy I Soter in the form of the sun god Helios2.
Destruction and Rediscovery:
The lighthouse suffered damage from three earthquakes between 956 and 1323 CE.
By the 15th century, it had become an abandoned ruin.
French archaeologists discovered remains of the lighthouse on the sea floor in 1994.
In 2016, there were plans to turn the submerged ruins, including those of the Pharos, into an underwater museum1.
Legacy:
The Lighthouse of Pharos remains a testament to ancient engineering ingenuity and maritime navigation.
Although mostly lost to time, its memory endures as a symbol of Alexandria’s rich history and its once-glorious harbor13.
In summary, the Lighthouse of Pharos stood as a beacon of light and a marvel of antiquity, guiding sailors across the Mediterranean Sea for centuries. Its legacy continues to captivate our imagination and curiosity4. 🗼🌊🌟
