Construction
The Pharos Lighthouse is built at Alexandria by Sostratos of Knidos under the direction of the first two Ptolemies. It stands between 116 m and 134 m (380 and 440 ft) tall -- it is not sure which cubit ancient writers used -- and is made from hard stone with lead used as mortar. The lower section has a square cross-section and contains about 50 rooms. Surmounted on this is a tower with an octagonal cross-section topped with a cylindrical tower. A fire burned in the top tower night and day so that during the day mariners could see its smoke while at night they could use the light. See also 331 bce Construction.




