Ancient Pharos of Alexandria
The Lighthouse of Alexandria, known as the Pharos, stands as one of the most iconic structures of antiquity, earning its place among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Built in the 3rd century BCE on the small island of Pharos off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, this towering edifice served not only as a navigational aid for sailors but also as a symbol of Hellenistic ingenuity and power.
Commissioned by Ptolemy I Soter, a successor to Alexander the Great, and completed under his son Ptolemy II Philadelphus around 280 BCE, the lighthouse guided vessels safely into the bustling harbor of Alexandria, a vital hub for trade and culture in the Mediterranean.
For over a millennium, it illuminated the night skies, embodying the fusion of engineering prowess and architectural grandeur that defined the Ptolemaic era.
The history of the Pharos is deeply intertwined with the founding of Alexandria itself. Alexander the Great established the city in 332 BCE as a strategic port, but its treacherous coastal reefs and shifting sands posed significant dangers to incoming ships.
After Alexander's death, Ptolemy I, who ruled Egypt from 323 to 282 BCE, recognized the need for a reliable beacon. Construction began around 300 BCE and spanned about 20 years, costing an estimated 800 talents of silver—equivalent to roughly $21 million today.
The architect credited with its design is Sostratus of Cnidus, a Greek engineer who reportedly studied celestial movements and wave patterns to optimize its placement.
Built on a seismically active zone, the structure was engineered for durability, using massive blocks of limestone, sandstone, and granite quarried from nearby sources. These materials were interlocked without mortar, relying on their weight and precise fitting for stability.
The lighthouse's design was revolutionary, consisting of three distinct tiers that tapered elegantly skyward.
The base was a square platform, approximately 30 meters (100 feet) on each side and 60 meters (200 feet) high, providing a solid foundation. Above it rose an octagonal middle section, about 30 meters tall, followed by a cylindrical top tier culminating in a dome or platform.
Overall, estimates of its height vary from 100 to 140 meters (330 to 460 feet), making it the second-tallest man-made structure after the Great Pyramid of Giza. A broad spiral ramp wound around the exterior of the lower levels, allowing beasts of burden to haul fuel—likely wood, oil, or resin—to the summit.
At night, a massive fire blazed in a brazier, its light amplified by polished bronze mirrors that could project the beam up to 50 kilometers (30 miles) out to sea. During the day, the mirrors reflected sunlight, ensuring visibility in all conditions.
Crowning the structure was a colossal statue, possibly depicting Zeus Soter, Poseidon, or even Ptolemy I as the sun god Helios, with four smaller statues of Triton at the corners blowing horns to warn of fog.
Observation decks allowed watchmen to spot approaching vessels, adding a defensive element.
Beyond its practical function, the Pharos held profound significance. It transformed Alexandria into a maritime powerhouse, facilitating trade routes that connected Egypt to the wider Greco-Roman world.
As a wonder, it was celebrated in ancient texts by writers like Strabo and Pliny the Elder, who marveled at its scale and utility.
Legends abound: some claimed the mirrors could incinerate enemy ships from afar, while others spoke of a hidden mechanism that caused the structure to collapse on command.
Under Roman rule, it appeared on coins and mosaics, symbolizing imperial might. After the Muslim conquest in the 7th century CE, the top was converted into a mosque by Sultan Ahmed ibn Tulun, blending Hellenistic and Islamic influences.Despite its resilience, the Pharos could not withstand nature's fury forever.
Earthquakes plagued the region, with significant damage in 796 CE and 950 CE, when the upper 20 meters toppled. Repairs extended its life, including a Fatimid reconstruction around 1161 CE that added a dome.
However, devastating quakes in 1303 and 1323 CE finally brought it down, reducing it to ruins by the 14th century.
In 1477, Mamluk Sultan Qaitbay repurposed the remaining stones to build a fort on the site, now the Citadel of Qaitbay.
The legacy of the Pharos endures. Its three-tiered design inspired minarets in Islamic architecture and modern lighthouses worldwide.
Underwater archaeology, pioneered by Jean-Yves Empereur in 1994, uncovered massive blocks, statues of Ptolemy II and his queen as Isis, and other artifacts in Alexandria's harbor.
In July 2025, 22 enormous stone blocks were recovered from the seabed, reigniting interest in reconstructing or preserving this ancient marvel.
Today, plans for an underwater museum allow divers to explore the submerged ruins, keeping the Pharos's light alive in history.
As a testament to human ambition, it reminds us of civilizations' rise and fall, its glow forever etched in the annals of wonder.
Nautical Mile Magazine
