The Lighthouse of Alexandria

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It stood in the city of Alexandria in Egypt. The lighthouse was built over 2,000 years ago. It was one of the tallest buildings in the ancient world. A big fire burned at the top to guide ships at night.

A Tall Tower

The lighthouse was built around 280 BC. It stood about 330 feet tall, as high as a 30-story building. The tower had three parts that got smaller as they went up. The bottom was square, the middle was eight-sided, and the top was round. A statue stood on the very top.

What Happened To It

The lighthouse worked for over 1,500 years. Earthquakes slowly damaged it over time. By the year 1480, it was in ruins. People used the stones to build a fort. Scientists have found pieces of the lighthouse under the water near Alexandria. They are still looking for more clues today.

Fun Facts

• It was one of the tallest buildings in the world for many hundreds of years.
• Its fire could be seen from over 30 miles away.
• The word 'pharos' means lighthouse in many languages because of this one.

Did You Know?

Divers have pulled huge stone blocks from the bottom of the sea that once were part of the lighthouse.