The Pharos of Alexandria

The Pharos of Alexandria, the most famous lighthouse of ancient times and the prototype for all subsequent lighthouses, was planned by Ptolemy I of Egypt and completed (C.280 BC) after his death. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the tiered tower, with a spiral ramp leading to its top, was erected on the island of Pharos, in the harbor of Alexandria. The tower's light, which was produced by a fire of oil or resinous wood, was intensified with the aid of many reflecting mirrors.

The Pharos of Alexandria became the prototype for ancient lighthouses. Situated on Pharos island at the end of the harbor of the new city, the structure was planned by Ptolemy I of Egypt (d. 284 BC) and completed by his successor in about 280 BC. Its base proclaimed that the architect Sostratus of Cnidus dedicated it to the "savior gods" on behalf of navigators. Models show a rectangular, tiered tower 122 m (400 ft) high, in which fires of resinous wood or oil were kept burning. They were reflected by metal mirrors supposedly designed by Archimedes, thus making them visible for possibly 50 km (about 30 mi), an excellent distance for antiquity. The 15th-century fort of Qait Bay now stands in the ruins of the Pharos.