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The first lighthouses could be said to be those of ancient times when fires were set along waters' edges to warn boats about rocky and dangerous reefs and shorelines.

The Egyptians were actually the first group of people to build a lighthouse, complete with wick lamps for light. Between 285 and 247 BC, the Egyptians completed the tallest lighthouse ever built. It was 900 feet tall and lasted for over 1,500 years. This was known as the Pharos, or Lighthouse of Alexandria. Other early builders of lighthouses included the Phoenicians, Greeks, and the Romans.

The "modern" lighthouse lens was invented by Frenchman Augustin Fresnel in 1822. The Fresnel lens used prisms to enhance the power of the light, and was much thinner than previous lenses, allowing more light to be passed and enhancing visibility of lighthouses over greater distances.

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