Lighthouse of Alexandria - Tips by authority Howard Hillman

Lighthouse
of Alexandria

seven wonders
insights you can trust

Why this ancient
Seven Wonders structure
is special

The Lighthouse of Alexandria is one of the greatest architectural feats of antiquity. It was at least as tall as a 40 story modern building and stood for over 16 centuries in Egypt.

Interesting insights
on the
Lighthouse of Alexandria

Unlike the other six
Seven Wonders, the
Lighthouse of Alexandria
had practical purposes

This Seven Wonder helped seafaring ships find the harbor and then safely enter it (treacherous shoals existed just outside the harbor). The lighthouse also served as a military lookout for approaching enemy ships. It was also a tourist destination (with two observation platforms).

Well built

It was obviously solidly constructed. This Seven Wonder survived for some 1600 years despite being assaulted by fierce winter sea storms and many earthquakes.

Beacons

The Lighthouse of Alexandria employed two types of beacons placed near the building's summit. At night, a bonfire generated the light. During the day, a mirror created it by reflecting and directing sun rays. The mirror was probably a large, round, concave disc made of polished metal.

Locator map for the
Lighthouse of Alexandria