The Tower of Pharos, historically known as the Lighthouse of Alexandria, refers to a monumental structure erected on the island of Pharos, off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, during the reign of Ptolemy II in the 3rd century BCE. This colossal tower is renowned for its architectural and technological advancements, and it stood as a testament to the ancient world's engineering prowess.
The Tower of Pharos was characterized by its towering height, rising to approximately 120 meters, making it one of the tallest man-made structures of its time. Constructed primarily using limestone blocks, it consisted of three levels: a square lower section, an octagonal middle section, and a circular uppermost section, each becoming gradually narrower. At its peak, a massive statue, potentially representing the sea god Poseidon or the sun god Helios, overlooked the city.
Its primary purpose was predominantly maritime, serving as a navigational beacon to guide ships safely into the harbor of Alexandria. The tower featured a fire burning at its summit, ensuring visibility even during the night, while the reflective properties of white marble surrounding the flame served to intensify its brightness.
Regrettably, this iconic masterpiece met its demise due to a series of earthquakes that ultimately led to its obliteration by the 14th century CE. Nonetheless, the legacy of the Tower of Pharos continues to captivate the collective imagination, serving as a testament to the architectural prowess and technological advancements of the ancient world.
