The Lighthouse at Alexandria

The Lighthouse at Alexandria Nearly all the Greeks agreed that the Lighthouse should be included as one of the wonders of the world. It was built around 300 BCE on the Island of Pharos in the harbor of Alexandria, Egypt.

The Lighthouse at Alexandria It was a working lighthouse that helped ships find their way safely into harbor. It was also a tourist attraction.

Lighthouse of Alexandria The pharaoh of Egypt was Ptolemy and he wanted to be remembered forever. He hired Sostratus to finish the construction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria after Alexander the Great died. Alexander the Great started building the lighthouse.

Lighthouse of Alexander Pharaoh Ptolemy told Sostratus to carve Ptolemy at the base of the lighthouse. Sostratus was angry because he wanted his name carved at the base. Sostratus tricked Ptolemy by carving Sostratus in the base of the marble podium. He tricked Ptolemy by putting a light layer of sand over his name and carved Ptolemy over. Pharaoh Ptolemy did not know that Sostratus’ name was carved under his. Years later, Ptolemy’s name eroded away and Sostratus’ name remained.

The Lighthouse at Alexandria In ancient times, visitors could buy food at the observation platform on the first level. Anyone who wished to do could climb nearly to the top.   There were not many places in the ancient world that visitors could climb a man-made structure, 300 feet up, to view the sea. 

Lighthouse of Alexandria During the day the lighthouse transmitted light by using mirrors to reflect the sun’s rays. At night, fire was used to guide the ships to harbor.

The Lighthouse at Alexandria The Lighthouse at Alexandria stood for over 1500 years.   Scientists believe an earthquake topped the Lighthouse during the 12th century CE, about 250 years before Columbus discovered America! The Lighthouse of Alexandria was the last wonder to fall.

Lighthouse of Alexander