Historical Significance and Name Origin
The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was constructed on the island of Pharos in ancient Egypt. Over time, the structure became so closely associated with its location that the word Pharos came to mean lighthouse in several languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, and Romanian.
Design and Structure
Two 10th-century Moorish travelers, Idrisi and Yusuf Ibn al-Shaikh, provided detailed descriptions of the lighthouse. They reported that the structure measured around 300 cubits in height. Since the length of a cubit varied, estimates place the lighthouse’s height between 140 to 183 meters (450 to 600 feet), with the lower estimate considered more reliable.
The lighthouse did not resemble modern, slender towers. Instead, it looked more like an early skyscraper. Its three sections were stacked vertically:
- Lower Level – Built on a 6-meter (20-foot) stone platform, this section likely stood about 73 meters (240 feet) tall and 30 meters (100 feet) wide at the base. It had a box-like shape. Entry was located partway up the structure and accessed via a 183-meter (600-foot) ramp supported by large arches. A spiral ramp inside allowed carts, pulled by animals, to carry materials to the top.
- Middle Level – An octagonal tower approximately 35 meters (115 feet) high sat above the base. This tower formed the second stage of the structure.
- Upper Level – A cylindrical section extended another 18 meters (60 feet) above the octagon and led to an open cupola. A fire burned in this upper chamber, serving as the beacon. A statue, likely of the sea god Poseidon, stood atop the roof of the cupola.
Interior Features and Lighting Mechanism
The upper levels featured a vertical shaft containing a dumbwaiter used to transport fuel. Staircases allowed access to the beacon room. According to historical accounts, a curved mirror—possibly made of polished bronze—reflected and projected the fire’s light into a visible beam. Reports claimed that ships could see the light at night or smoke during the day from distances up to 160 kilometers (100 miles).
Decorations and Materials
Descriptions mention extensive decoration, including statues of the god Triton placed at the four corners of the lower level’s roof. Archaeological discoveries recovered from the sea, such as a carved stone torso, support the existence of such ornamentation.
Collapse and Aftermath
The lighthouse stood for over 1,500 years. Earthquakes eventually caused significant damage. A major quake in 1303 A.D. dealt a fatal blow to the structure, with Egyptian records noting its final collapse in 1375. By 1480, the remaining stones were repurposed to build a fortress on the island, which still exists today.
Challenges in Documentation
Although depictions of the lighthouse appear on ancient coins, small models, and mosaics, few detailed descriptions exist. Ancient writers rarely documented the structure thoroughly. Most available information comes from Arab travelers and historians. These sources offer detailed accounts of the lower sections but provide limited insight into the upper portions and the light mechanism. Some descriptions may also contain exaggerated or imaginative elements.