The Pharos of Alexandria was a towering lighthouse built on the small island of Pharos in ancient Alexandria, Egypt. Constructed around 280 BC during the reign of Ptolemy II, it was designed by the architect Sostratus of Cnidus. The lighthouse stood approximately 100 meters tall and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, guiding sailors safely into the busy harbor.
The structure featured three distinct tiers: a square base, a middle octagonal section, and a circular top, which housed a large flame to signal ships. The Pharos was not only a practical navigation aid but also a symbol of the city’s wealth and engineering prowess. It was eventually damaged by earthquakes and fell into ruin by the 15th century.