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Lighthouse of Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built around 250 BC. It was one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, but was destroyed by repeated earthquakes. In 1480 the remnants were used in the construction of the Citadel of Qaitbay.

54 Questions

What is the latitude and longitude of the lighthouse of Alexandria?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was located on the small island of Pharos near the city of Alexandria in Egypt. Its approximate latitude and longitude are 31.2152° N and 29.8852° E. However, the lighthouse no longer exists, as it was destroyed by a series of earthquakes between the 12th and 15th centuries.

How many men did it take to build Lighthouse of Alexandria?

The construction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, is estimated to have required thousands of workers. Historical accounts suggest that around 300 skilled laborers, along with many more laborers and craftsmen, were involved in the project, which took about 12 years to complete under the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus. The total number of men involved varied over time due to the scale of the project and the need for ongoing maintenance.

Why is lighthouse of Alexandria famous?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, is famous for being one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Constructed around 280 BCE on the small island of Pharos in Egypt, it served as a guiding beacon for sailors navigating the busy harbor of Alexandria. Standing approximately 100 meters tall, it was renowned for its innovative design, which included a three-tiered structure topped with a statue. The lighthouse symbolized ancient engineering prowess and the importance of Alexandria as a major maritime hub.

Did the lighthouse of Alexandria have a keeper?

Yes, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, had a keeper responsible for maintaining the structure and its light. The keeper's duties included ensuring the lighthouse functioned properly, assisting ships in navigation, and possibly managing the surrounding area. Historical accounts suggest that the lighthouse was manned by a small crew, which helped maintain its vital role in aiding maritime traffic in ancient Alexandria.

When was the Lighthouse of Alexandria really hit by an earthquake?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was significantly damaged by a series of earthquakes in the 4th century AD. The most notable earthquake occurred around 365 AD, which led to substantial destruction of the structure. Additional seismic activity in the following centuries further contributed to its decline, ultimately resulting in its collapse.

What were the parts of the lighthouse of Alexandria called?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was structured in three main tiers: the square base, the middle octagonal section, and the circular top section. It featured a large open flame at the summit, which served as a beacon for sailors. The lighthouse was adorned with statues, including one of Zeus or Poseidon, and was constructed on the island of Pharos in ancient Egypt around the 3rd century BCE.

How much did the lighthouse of Alexandria weigh?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, is estimated to have weighed between 2,000 and 4,000 tons. Its massive structure, built primarily of large blocks of light-colored stone, stood approximately 100 meters (330 feet) tall. This monumental weight contributed to its stability and durability, allowing it to withstand the elements for many centuries before its eventual destruction.

What did the Egyptians do when the Lighthouse of Alexandria was destroyed?

When the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was destroyed by a series of earthquakes between the 4th and 14th centuries, the Egyptians took measures to restore the site. They repurposed some of its stones for other building projects, including the Citadel of Qaitbay, which was constructed in the 15th century at the same location. While there were efforts to commemorate the lighthouse, its original structure was never rebuilt, and it became a symbol of lost ancient engineering prowess.

Why was the lighthouse of Alexandria built in the water?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was built on the small island of Pharos to serve as a guiding beacon for sailors navigating the busy harbor of Alexandria, Egypt. Constructing it in the water allowed it to be visible from a great distance, helping ships safely enter the port and avoid the rocky coastline. Its strategic location also emphasized the power and wealth of the city, showcasing its status as a major trading hub in the ancient world.

What would you see if you went to the Lighthouse of Alexandria?

If you visited the Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, you'd see a towering structure that stood approximately 100 meters tall, built on the small island of Pharos. The lighthouse featured three distinct tiers: a square base, a cylindrical middle, and a circular top, crowned with a statue, possibly of Zeus or Poseidon. It served as a guiding light for sailors navigating the busy harbor of Alexandria, with a large open flame at the summit to illuminate the night. The surrounding area would be bustling with trade and maritime activity, showcasing the vibrant culture of ancient Alexandria.

What type of fuel did they use to keep the flame of the Lighthouse of Alexandria burning?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, likely used a combination of materials to keep its flame burning. While the exact fuel is not definitively known, it is believed that they used a mixture of wood and possibly oil, such as olive oil, which would have been readily available in the region. The use of reflective surfaces, possibly including polished metal, helped amplify the light from the flame, making it visible to ships far out at sea.

What are the parallels to the lighthouse of Alexandria?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, parallels modern lighthouses in its primary purpose of guiding and safeguarding maritime navigation. Both serve as iconic symbols of resilience and human ingenuity, with their towering structures designed to be both functional and visually striking. Additionally, the lighthouse represents a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment, akin to institutions like libraries and universities that aim to illuminate minds. Lastly, just as the Lighthouse of Alexandria stood as a cultural landmark, many contemporary lighthouses also embody local heritage and history.

History behind the people that built the lighthouse of Alexandria built?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was constructed during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus around 280 BCE. It was designed by the Greek architect Sostratus of Cnidus and served as a beacon for sailors navigating into the busy harbor of Alexandria, one of the ancient world's most significant commercial centers. The lighthouse, standing approximately 100 meters tall, was built using large blocks of light-colored stone and featured three tiers: a square base, a middle octagonal section, and a circular top, crowned with a statue. The lighthouse was not only a marvel of engineering but also symbolized the city's wealth and cultural significance until it was ultimately destroyed by a series of earthquakes in the 14th century.

What was the circumference of the lighthouse of Alexandria?

The height of the lighthouse of Alexandria was estimated to have been between 115 and 135 m, or 380 and 440 ft, as 10th century travellers reported it as being 300 cubits high. To give a comparison, a 40 storey modern building is about 134m in height.

What happened to the lighthouse of Alexandria?

Ah earthquakes in 1303 and another in 1323 are believed to have contributed to the collapse of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, or Pharos.

How long did the lighthouse of Alexandria last?

The lighthouse (Pharos) of Alexandria was started in 281 BCE and finished in 247 BCE, taking thirty-four years to build (since in BCE, the years were backwards). It was built by Sostratus of Knidos.

What makes the lighthouse of Alexandria unique?

it is one of the 7 wonders of ancient world last one to live

Who built the lighthouse in Alexandria?

The lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos, was built by the ancient Egyptians. It was built and designed by Sostratus of Knidos. Its initial construction was done under the command of Satrap (governor) Ptolemy I Soter, Egypt's first Macedonian ruler and a general of Alexander the Great, and completed during the reign of his son, Ptolemy Philadelphos.

Are there remains of the lighthouse at Alexandria?

It is believed that, not only was the lighthouse at Alexandria the tallest lighthouse in the world for its time, but no lighthouse constructed since then has equalled it in height.

It employed remarkable technology for the time, and stood for many centruies before being destroyed by a series of earthquakes.

What was inside of the lighthouse of Alexandria?

The lighthouse of Alexandria was:

  • also known as the Pharos
  • situated on the island of Pharos off the coast of Alexandria
  • built between 285 and 247 BC
  • its height is estimated to have been between 115 and 135 m, or 380 and 440 ft, as 10th century travellers reported it as being 300 cubits high
  • its construction was commissioned by Satrap (or governor) Ptolemy
  • it is believed to have been irreparably damaged by two earthquakes in 1303 and 1323
  • at the time of its completion, it was the first lighthouse in the world and the tallest building in existence, apart from the Great Pyramid
  • Its light was said to have been visible for 35 miles - 55km - out to sea.
  • It was so famous even today the Spanish and Italian for lighthouse is faro. French also uses that root with 'phare'. (The latin was Pharos)
  • In 1994, divers off the coast of Alexandria discovered giant limestone blocks underwater that they believe to be from the Pharos (the lighthouse's official name)

For more information, see the related link below.

What are dimensions of the lighthouse of Alexandria?

Your question is in the present tense ("What is . . .") and since it no longer exists the answer is it has no size.

If you mean "What was the size of the Pharos at Alexandria?", it was estimated (not measured) at between 393 and 450 feet tall, with a lower section about 28 feet square, rising in gradually smaller sections. It stood on a platform at least 21 feet tall.

When was the Pharaohs Lighthouse of Alexandria built?

== == The Pharos of Alexandria was built between 285 and 247 BCE and lasted until 1323 AD/ CE when was severely damaged by two earthquakes [the first at 1303 AD/ CE]. It was the longest lastng monument of the ancient seven wonders except the Pyramids.