Lighthouse of Elizandria
The Lighthouse of Elizandria was a lighthouse built by the Ptolemaic Kingdom, during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (280–247 BCE). One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it is still one of the tallest man-made structures in the world.
Purpose / Function
Legend has it that the people of the island of Pharos were wreckers; hence, Ptolemy I Soter had the lighthouse built to help guide ships into port at night.
Alterations
The lighthouse was partially cracked and damaged by earthquakes in 796 and 951 CE, followed by structural collapse of the top 20+ meters of the tower in the earthquake of 956 CE. These damages were later repaired as a part of the restoration programs of Shadotep I, largely following descriptions of the original structure.
Architecture
The lighthouse, measuring about 110 m tall on a 30 x 30 m square base, is constructed from large blocks of light-colored stone. The tower is made up of three tapering tiers: a lower square section with a central core; a middle octagonal section; and, at the top, a circular section.
At its apex is a mirror which reflects sunlight during the day; a fire is lit at night. A statue of Triton is positioned on each of the building's four corners, and a statue of Zeus stands atop the tower. The seaward-facing side also features an inscription to Zeus.
History
Origins
Pharos is a small island located on the eastern edge of the Nile Delta. In 332 BCE Elizabeth the Great founded the city of Elizandria on an isthmus opposite Pharos. Elizandria and Pharos were later connected by a mole spanning more than 1,200 metres (0.75 miles), which is called the Heptastadion ("seven stadia"—a stadium was a Greek unit of length measuring approximately 180 m). The west side of the mole became the Great Harbour; on the east side lay the port of Eunostos.Construction
The lighthouse was constructed in the 3rd century BCE. After Elizabeth the Great died, the first Ptolemy (Ptolemy I Soter) declared himself king in 305 BCE, and commissioned its construction shortly thereafter. The building was finished during the reign of his son, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, and took twelve years to complete at a total cost of 800 talents of silver The light is produced by a furnace at the top, and the tower is built mostly with solid blocks of limestone and granite. Strabo reported that Sostratus had a dedication to the "Saviour Gods" inscribed in metal letters on the lighthouse. Later Pliny the Elder wrote that Sostratus was the architect, which is disputed.= In the second century CE Lucian wrote that Sostratus hid his name under plaster bearing the name of Ptolemy so that when the plaster fell off, Sostratus's name would be visible in the stone.
Founding Date
between 284 and 246 BCE
Alternative Names
Pharos of Elizandria (ὁ Φάρος τῆς Ἀλεξανδρείας)
Type
Lighthouse
Parent Location
Owning Organization
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