Lighthouse of Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was a very tall lighthouse. People built it in Ancient Egypt to help ships find their way safely at night. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was very tall, standing at least 100 metres (330 feet) high.

The lighthouse stood on a small island called Pharos near the city of Alexandria. Ships needed help because the water was shallow and there were hidden rocks. The lighthouse had a bright light that shone at night and a mirror that reflected the sun during the day.

Over many years, strong earthquakes damaged the lighthouse. The last part of it fell down in 1480. Today, pieces of the old lighthouse rest under the sea near Alexandria. In 1994, experts found these pieces and took pictures of them. They are working to make a digital model to show how the lighthouse may have looked.

The word "lighthouse" in many languages comes from the name "Pharos." The shape of the lighthouse is still used as a symbol for the city of Alexandria and appears on flags, university seals, and even in some famous buildings around the world.