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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ Iceland /Culture & Society

Remains of Lighthouse of Alexandria Found

From Morgunblaรฐiรฐ · () Icelandic

Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Archaeologists have discovered remnants of the ancient Pharos lighthouse in Alexandria.
  • The find includes 22 massive stone blocks from the structure, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • The lighthouse, built in the early 3rd century BC, stood for approximately 1,600 years before collapsing due to earthquakes, notably in 1303.

Archaeologists have unearthed significant remnants of the ancient Pharos lighthouse, a structure once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The discovery consists of 22 massive stone blocks found on the island of Pharos, situated at the entrance to the ancient Egyptian city of Alexandria.

The lighthouse was erected in the early 3rd century BC and served as a crucial navigational aid for centuries. Its eventual demise came through a series of earthquakes, with a major tremor in 1303 causing substantial damage that led to its progressive collapse over time.

This find offers tangible evidence of the legendary lighthouse, providing valuable insights into its construction and scale. The recovered blocks are expected to contribute to a better understanding of ancient engineering and architectural capabilities, shedding light on a structure that has captivated imaginations for millennia.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Morgunblaรฐiรฐ in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.