In 280 B.C., the building of the Pharos of Alexandria was finally finished after Ptolemy Soter (305-282 B.C.) worked 20 years on it. The lighthouse was built to prevent more shipwrecks, since the shores of the island, Pharos, had dangerous sharp rocks that could easily sink ships. Pharos Island was linked to Alexandria by the causeway, Hepstadion.

The Pharos of Alexandria had three towers, one on top of another. The entire structure stood on a great rock platform by the Mediterranean Sea. The lower tower was where workers and soldiers resided, while the second tower had a ramp that led to the top. The second tower was used to carry up wood by the help of mules and horses to keep the fire, located on the top tower, ablaze. To make the fire stand out and show the way, bronze sheets were used to reflect the fire’s light onto the sea. The light could reach 31 miles away. This way, the light would illuminate the black waters easier and help the ships navigate through the sharp rocks.

On the roof of the lighthouse was a beautiful statue of Zeus, a Greek god. He would protect the lighthouse and ships from any harm.

In 1100 A.D., the harbor of Alexandria was drenched in mud due to pollution. There were too many spills and loads of dirt went into the water. Ships did not travel there anymore and the lighthouse slowly became abandoned. Then around 1300 A.D., a devastating earthquake ravaged the Pharos of Alexandria.

Today, it is thought that Qait Bey, a fort, stands on the site of this marvelous ancient wonder.