Archaeology & History

Egypt to rebuild the Lighthouse of Alexandria

By T.K. Randall
May 8, 2015 ·  26 comments

An 18th century artist's depiction of the lighthouse. Image Credit: Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach Constructed around 280 BC by the Ptolemaic Kingdom, the impressive structure, which towered an estimated 450ft above the Alexandria coastline, was a marvel of its time and remained the tallest man-made structure in the world for several centuries.

During the daytime the lighthouse used mirrors to help guide ships in to port while a fire played the same role at night. Sadly though the building suffered significant damage during a series of earthquakes and was finally destroyed by one in the 14th century.

Now more than 700 years later however the lighthouse may actually get the chance to shine once again after Egyptian authorities approved new plans to construct a full scale replica.The goal will be to rebuild the ancient wonder only a few meters away from where the original stood in the coastal city of Alexandria and to do so as accurately as possible.

"The original building comprised three stages: a lower square section with a central core, a middle octagonal section and a circular section at its top," said archaeology professor Fathy Khourshid.

When it is completed the structure should prove itself a popular tourist destination while providing a unique glimpse back to an age that has long since been lost in the mists of time.

Source: BBC News | Comments (26)

Tags: Egypt, Lighthouse, Alexandria