Tag: Alexander the Great

The Lighthouse of Alexandria | Location, History, Facts, Destruction The Pharos of Alexandria also called the lighthouse of Alexandria together with the Giza Pyramids were two of the old seven wonders of ancient times. Giza Pyramid still standing while the lighthouse of Alexandria was destroyed. Alexandria itself was one of 17 cities founded by the Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. Most of these 17 cities disappeared, but Alexandria in Egypt thrived for many centuries and is prosperous even today. After the death of Alexander in 323 BC and before he finished the city, his general Ptolemy Soter, the new ruler of Egypt completed the city.  As soon as the city was finished, it became very rich and prosperous. Ptolemy built the Pharos to guide the trade ships to the harbor. It was the first lighthouse in the world and the second tallest building after the Great Pyramid. The idea of this lighthouse was the beginning of establishing a number of other lighthouses in the Mediterranean, such as the port of "Portus" in Italy and La Coruña in Spain. Where is the lighthouse of Alexandria? The Pharos of Alexandria was at the entrance of the eastern harbor on the south part of Pharos Island. The lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the prototype of all subsequent lighthouses. What is the meaning of the word Pharos? The word Pharos means beacon or lighthouse to guide sailors and it was considered a technological triumph. When Alexandria Lighthouse was constructed? The work was begun under Ptolemy I Soter and was not finished until the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Ptolemy II inaugurated the building after 12 years in 282 BC and held a festival to honor his parents. Who was the Architect of the Lighthouse