Characteristics

• World's first lighthouse and stood for 1,500 yrs (built in 280 B.C.)
• Built on island of Pharos, in Mediterranean Sea
• Founded by Alexander the Great
• He wanted to make Alexandria a major Mediterranean seaport
• Lighthouse design by Sostrates of Knidos
• In 14th century, earthquake destroyed it
• Ruins built into a Muslim, military fort

Technology

• Made up of 3 marble towers; 384 ft high
• 1st was rectangular and filled with workers' rooms
• 2nd was eight-sided, with a ramp leading to top tower
• 3rd shaped like a cylinder; inside was a burning fire for guidance
• Sheets of bronze behind fire reflected its light out to sea
• The top has a statue of Zeus

Wonder Qualities

• One of the greatest feats of engineering in the ancient world
• Used to guide ships into harbor of Alexandria