CURRENT EVENTSBY: MARIA GARCIA

The Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria

Background

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C.

Alexander chose the location of the city carefully, placing it on the Nile Delta.

Alexander died in 323 B.C. and the city was completed by Ptolemy Soter (the new ruler of Egypt).

Ptolemy authorized the building of the Pharos in 290 B.C.

The Pharos was completed 20 years later, becoming the world’s first lighthouse and the world’s tallest building (with exception of the Great Pyramid)

Purpose

Ptolemy made the city become rich and prosperous, but he saw that it needed a symbol and something to guide the many trade ships into the busy harbor.

Chief Architect

The Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria was designed by Sostrates of Knidos.

Ahead of it’s Time?Yes, the Pharos lighthouse was ahead of it’s

time because of the simple fact that it was the first lighthouse in the world, because it was the tallest building in the world, because of its shape (like a 20th century skyscraper), and because of the advanced light it displayed helping ships find their way to the port at night.

Is it still in Existence Today????

No, the Pharos lighthouse was the last of the Ancient Wonders of the World to be made and it was the last to stand.

It was damaged because of earthquakes and was reported to collapse in 1326.

It is thought to have stood for over 1,500 years.

Great or Overrated???

I think that the Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria was great because of it being the first lighthouse in the world, and because it was the last Ancient Wonder of the World to disappear.

Sources

http://www.unmuseum.org/pharos.htm http://

www.history.com/videos/seven-wonders-the-pharos-lighthouse-at-alexandria#seven-wonders-the-pharos-lighthouse-at-alexandria

http://www.ancientvine.com/alexandria_egypt.html

http://www.google.com/images http://www.touregypt.net/ename/

???