(290 BC-1480)
Located on the island of Phraros, now apart of Alexandria, Egypt
Constructed by Ptolemy Soter
Also known as Pharos Lighthouse
One of the seven wonders of the ancient world

It is dedicated to the 'savior gods' Ptolemy Soter and his wife Benerice.
It was rocked by three earthquakes, which left it in near ruin (956 AD, 1303 AD, 1323 AD).
The mirrors were brought down mistakenly and not put back into place after the Arabs conquered Egypt.
It was torn down and turned into a medieval fort (1480).

It saved lives in ancient times by making the coastline in the region less dangerous to sail on.
It was about 40 stories tall.
At one point, a statue of Poseidon was at the summit of it.
It used mirrors during the day and fire during the night.
It could reflect light tens of miles away.
Legends of it say it was used to also burn enemy ships before they could reach the shoreline.
In many languages, pharos is the word which means lighthouse.
It is the only ancient wonder on the list of seven that provides a practical use.

Credit: Captain Howdy

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