Is the Lighthouse of Alexandria Still Standing?
The Lighthouse of Alexandria is also known as the Pharos of Alexandria. it was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was an engineering marvel and a wonderful invention. The lighthouse was very helpful for all the ships and travelers traveling by sea ways. But the question is that ” Is Lighthouse of Alexandria Still Standing?” The answer is no.
But it is sad to say, currently, the lighthouse is no longer standing. However it did for about 1,500 years. It was a monumental invention of sorts, as it survived through many Egyptian reigns and conflicts, even the conflict that led to the destruction of the Library of Alexandria.
History and Importance of the Lighthouse
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built on the island of Pharos during the reign of Ptolemy II in the 3rd century BC. It was estimated that the height of the Alexandria Lighthouse would be 100-130 meters. This makes it one of the tallest structures or Place in the ancient world.
The Alexandria Lighthouse was designed with three levels – a square base, a cylindrical middle portion and a smaller top tower.
It was designed in such a way that polished bronze mirrors were used to reflect sunlight during the day, and a fire was lit at the top at night to guide ships safely through the dangerous waters.
How the Lighthouse Was Destroyed
The area is so densely populated that there have been numerous earthquakes over the centuries, causing extensive damage to buildings and lighthouses.
In 796, the intensity of the earthquake destroyed the top floor.
The tower suffered extensive damage due to more severe earthquakes in 1303 and 1323 AD.
Then in 1375 AD, another earthquake come and completely destroyed the Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt.
And in 1480 AD, the Sultan of Egypt used the remains things of the Alexandria lighthouse to build a fortress, the Citadel of Qaitbay.
Modern Discoveries and Legacy
In 1994, a group of French archaeologists led by Jean-Yves Empereur rediscovered the physical ruins of the lighthouse on the sea floor of Alexandria’s eastern harbor. They found granite slabs weighing fifty to sixty tons that had been broken into several pieces.
These discoveries provide valuable information about its construction and confirm historical descriptions made by ancient authors such as Strabo and Pliny the Elder.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria remains a symbol of maritime innovation. Although it no longer exists, its influence continues to influence the design of modern lighthouses and navigation aids.
Ongoing archaeological discoveries continue to shed light on this lost wonder, ensuring that its legacy will remain etched in history.
