# The Enigmatic Sunken Lighthouse of Faros: A Glimpse into History
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Chapter 1: A Monument to Ancient Engineering
The sunken lighthouse of Faros, once soaring to an impressive height of 180 meters, now lies beneath the waves. In its prime, it captivated the ancient world and remains one of the seven wonders of antiquity. This architectural feat raises many questions: Who was behind its construction? What did it resemble before it succumbed to the sea? Below, we explore these intriguing inquiries.
[Photo: Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]
The renowned lighthouse, situated on the northeastern tip of the island of Faros, stood as the tallest structure not only in Alexandria but in the entire ancient world. It was linked to the mainland via an earthen embankment, which, due to natural changes over time, has expanded to form a 1.5 km wide peninsula today.
Despite the mystery surrounding it, we can gather some essential details about this extraordinary edifice that once drew admiration from across the ancient world.
Section 1.1: Origins of the Lighthouse
The lighthouse on Faros is believed to have been constructed around 280 BC, commissioned by Ptolemy I, the founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty and ruler of Egypt from 323–83 BC. The Greek architect Sostratos of Knidos was the mastermind behind its design. Unfortunately, Ptolemy I did not live to witness the completion of the project, which was finalized during the reign of his successor, Ptolemy II.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Structure’s Design
The lighthouse is the most recent of the ancient wonders, yet it remains one of the least understood. Our understanding of its appearance is derived from ancient texts and a coin minted during Ptolemy II’s reign, which depicts a tall edifice topped with a figure. Josephus Flavius noted in “The Jewish War” that it measured 180 meters in height, although many modern scholars argue it was likely closer to 120 meters. Other ancient writers, including Strabo, Lucian of Samosata, and Pliny the Elder, described it as having a square base measuring 180 meters on each side.
Based on these ancient accounts, the structure is often imagined as a multi-tiered tower, beginning with a single-story base that supported a larger tower, potentially octagonal, topped by a smaller circular structure. At its pinnacle, there was an open colonnade housing a flame, crowned with a statue of Poseidon.
[Photo: Philip Galle, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]
Section 1.2: Functions of the Lighthouse
The lighthouse’s primary role was akin to that of modern lighthouses, serving as a navigational aid for ships. The harbor of ancient Alexandria was among the busiest yet most treacherous, filled with rocks and shoals. A prominent landmark visible from afar undoubtedly facilitated the navigation of sailors.
However, its role extended beyond mere practicalities; it symbolized the grandeur of Alexandria. Known as “lampra kai lamprotate,” or splendid and most splendid, Alexandria was defined by its monumental architecture, with the lighthouse standing as a testament to its wealth and power. It was to Alexandria what the Burj Khalifa is to Dubai or One World Trade Center is to New York—a striking emblem of a city’s might and allure.
Chapter 2: The Demise of the Lighthouse
Regrettably, the passage of time took its toll on this magnificent structure. As the era of Egyptian magnificence waned, the lighthouse fell into disrepair. It suffered significant damage during Julius Caesar’s invasion, and although repairs were made, subsequent earthquakes in the 4th and 10th centuries further compromised its integrity.
By the 9th century, the lighthouse had been repurposed into a mosque, albeit an unusual one, aligned along the north-south axis. The final destruction came in the 14th century with a powerful earthquake in 1326, which ultimately led to its submersion. A fortress was later constructed on the remnants of the lighthouse, leaving only memories of its former glory recorded in ancient texts.
[Photo: SciVi 3D studio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons]
Section 2.1: Fascinating Insights about the Lighthouse
Before concluding, let’s delve into some captivating facts about the Faros lighthouse. Though commissioned by Ptolemy I, some historians speculate that Alexander the Great may have been the true initiator of this iconic structure.
In ancient times, it was customary to adorn a building’s plaster with accolades for its founder. However, Sostratos, the architect, ensured his credit was preserved. When the plaster began to deteriorate, he unveiled a carved inscription: “Sostratos, son of Dexiphanes, dedicated this building to the gods of safety, on behalf of all those who sail the seas.”
Remarkably, the tallest modern lighthouse, Jeddah Light in Saudi Arabia, stands at 133 meters, which suggests that the Alexandria lighthouse could have surpassed it in height! If it did measure around 120 meters, it would still rank as the second tallest lighthouse today. Its light was reportedly visible from approximately 300 stadia, translating to around 55 kilometers.
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