Faros lighthouse interesting facts 7 wonders of the world. Lighthouse of Alexandria: photo, description, history and interesting facts
The Seven Wonders of the World is a list of the most famous sights of the ancient world. Alexandrian lighthouse rightfully called one of them - this is the last of the classic wonders of antiquity. basic information and Interesting Facts about this building, its creation, functions and sad fate can be found on the Internet (as well as a photo of a recreated lighthouse), but impressions from historical place seen with your own eyes, nothing compares.
The history of the lighthouse on the island of Pharos is firmly connected with the founding in 332 AD of one of the most beautiful cities the ancient world - Alexandria, named after the great conqueror Alexander the Great. For all the time of his campaigns, he managed to found about 17 cities with the same name, but only Alexandria in Egypt managed to survive to this day.
Founding of Alexandria
Alexander the Great approached the choice of a place for the future city very responsibly. He did not want to locate it in the Nile Delta, so he decided to start construction a little further south, not far from Lake Mareotis. It was planned that Alexandria would have two ports - one for merchant ships coming from mediterranean sea, the other - for ships sailing from the Nile River.
After the death of the great Alexander, the city came under the rule of Ptolemy I Soter, the pharaoh of Egypt, who ruled at that time. It was a time of prosperity for Alexandria - it became the largest shipping port. In 290 BC, Ptolemy ordered the construction of a huge lighthouse on the island of Pharos, which would make it easier for sailors at night and in bad weather.
Construction of the Faros Lighthouse
The construction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria began in the 4th century BC. It is believed that this masterpiece of architectural thought was built by Sostratus, a native of Cnidia. Construction work continued for over 20 years. The Lighthouse of Alexandria is the first building of its kind in the world and the tallest building in the ancient world. This is the answer to the question why faros lighthouse included in the seven wonders of the world. This magnificent skyscraper was a symbol of power and might, prosperity and greatness, like light in the darkness.
The height of the lighthouse of Alexandria is about 600 feet, or 135 meters. At the same time, it looked somewhat different than most of the architectural monuments of that time. It was a three-tiered building with a square at the base, the walls of which were built of marble slabs, interconnected with a mortar with the addition of lead.
We bring to your attention interesting facts about the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the world.
- At the top of the lighthouse there was a fire, the reflections of which were directed into the sea with the help of specially polished metal plates.
- The light from the lights of the Lighthouse of Alexandria was visible at a distance of more than 60 km.
- The Pharos lighthouse also served as an outpost and an observation tower - its height made it possible to see enemy ships long before they approached the city.
- At the top of the building, in addition to metal reflective plates, there were also interesting technical devices of that time - clockwork, weathercocks and much more.
- After the construction was completed, Sostratus of Knidos carved his name into one of the walls, and then covered it with plaster and wrote the name of Ptolemy I Soter on it. The architect was well aware that the plaster would wear off over time, and the stone would retain the name of the real creator of the lighthouse for centuries.
The lighthouse of Alexandria was most fully described many years later - already in 1161 AD - by the Arab traveler Abu el-Andalussi. He noted the most significant facts and mentioned that in addition to its main function, the lighthouse also served as a very noticeable and popular attraction.
The fate of the Lighthouse of Alexandria
The lighthouse on the island of Pharos illuminated the way for seafarers for a millennium and a half. But, unfortunately, he was powerless before the forces of nature. Sufficiently strong tremors in 356, 956 and 1303 AD inflicted severe damage on it, and the earthquake of 1326 finally destroyed the seventh wonder of the world - the Lighthouse of Alexandria. His remains were dismantled by Muslims to build their fortress. They were discovered many centuries later - in 1994, and later the image of the structure was restored using computer modeling. But such photos are still not able to convey the greatness and power that the Faros lighthouse possessed.
A hundred years after the destruction, a powerful fort was erected on the site of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, protecting Alexandria from the sea. It has survived and exists in our time - now inside it is the Alexandria Historical Museum.
The lighthouse of Alexandria has been one of the tallest man-made structures for almost 1000 years and has survived nearly 22 earthquakes! Interesting, isn't it?
In 1994, French archaeologists discovered several ruins in the waters off the coast of Alexandria. Large blocks and artifacts have been found. These blocks belonged to the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Built by the first Ptolemy, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, also called the Pharos Lighthouse, was the only ancient marvel with the actual purpose of helping sailors and ships enter the harbor. It was located on the island of Pharos in Egypt and was a perfect example ancient architecture. The lighthouse was a source of income and a milestone for the city.
Story
◈ Alexander the Great founded the city of Alexandria in 332 BC.
◈ After his death, Ptolemy I Soter declared himself as pharaoh. He built a city and commissioned a lighthouse.
◈ Pharos was a small island connected to Alexandria by an embankment called the Heptastadion.
◈ Alexander named 17 cities after himself, but Alexandria is the only city that survives and flourishes.
◈ Unfortunately, Alexander could not see this beautiful structure in his city since he died in 323 BC.
Construction
◈ The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built between 280 and 247 BC. This is about 12 - 20 years for construction. Ptolemy I died before its completion, so it was discovered by his son Ptolemy of Philadelphia.
◈ Construction cost was about 800 talents, equivalent to $3 million today.
◈ The lighthouse was about 135 meters high. The lowest part was square, the middle one was octagonal and the top was round.
◈ Limestone blocks were used to build the lighthouse. They were sealed with molten lead to withstand strong waves.
◈ Spiral staircases led to the top.
◈ In a huge curved mirror, light was reflected during the day, and at night a fire burned at the very top.
◈ The light of the beacon could be seen according to various data at a distance of 60 to 100 km.
◈ Unconfirmed sources say that the mirror was also used to identify and burn enemy ships.
◈ 4 statues of the god Triton stood at the four corners on top and a statue of Zeus or Poseidon in the center.
◈ The designer of the lighthouse was Sostratus of Knidos. Some sources credit him with sponsorship as well.
◈ Legend has it that Ptolemy did not allow Sostratus to inscribe his name on the walls of the lighthouse. Even then, Sostratus wrote "Sostratos, son of Dextiphon, dedicated to the savior gods for the sake of the seas" on the wall, and then put plaster on top and wrote the name of Ptolemy.
Destruction
◈ The lighthouse was badly damaged during an earthquake in 956 and again in 1303 and 1323.
◈ Although the Lighthouse survived almost 22 earthquakes, it finally collapsed in 1375.
◈ In 1349, the famous Arab traveler Ibn Battuta visited Alexandria, but could not climb the lighthouse.
◈ In 1480 the remains of the stone were used to build the fort of Kite Bay on the same site.
◈ Now there is an Egyptian military fortress on the site of the lighthouse, so researchers cannot get there.
Meaning
◈ The monument has become an ideal model for a lighthouse and has important architectural significance.
◈ The word "Pharos" - lighthouse comes from the Greek word φάρος in many languages such as French, Italian, Spanish and Romanian.
◈ Lighthouse of Alexandria is mentioned by Julius Caesar in his writings.
◈ The lighthouse remains the civic symbol of the city of Alexandria. His image is used on the flag and seal of the province, as well as on the flag of Alexandria University.
One of the most outstanding monuments of the ancient world is now under water in ruins. But everyone can swim around the ruins with equipment.
Island and lighthouse
The lighthouse was built on the small island of Pharos in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Alexandria. This busy port was founded by Alexander the Great during his visit to Egypt in 332 BC. e. The building was named after the island. It must have taken 20 years to build and was completed around 280 BC. e. , during the reign of Ptolemy II, king of Egypt.
three towers
The Pharos lighthouse consisted of three marble towers, standing on a base of massive stone blocks. The first tower was rectangular, it contained rooms in which workers and soldiers lived. Above this tower was a smaller, octagonal tower with a spiral ramp leading to the top tower.
guiding light
The upper tower was shaped like a cylinder, in which a fire burned, helping the ships safely reach the bay.
Polished bronze mirrors
To keep the flame going, it took a large number of fuel. The tree was brought spiral ramp on carts drawn by horses or mules. Behind the flames were bronze plates that cast light into the sea.
The death of the lighthouse
By the 12th century A.D. e. the Alexandrian bay was so filled with silt that the ships could no longer use it. The lighthouse fell into disrepair. The bronze plates that served as mirrors were probably melted down into coins. In the 14th century, the lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake. A few years later, the Muslims used its ruins to build the military fortress of Qait Bay. The fortress was subsequently rebuilt more than once and still stands on the site of the world's first lighthouse.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010 .
See what the "Faros Lighthouse" is in other dictionaries:
- (Alexandria lighthouse), lighthouse on east coast about. Pharos within the boundaries of Alexandria, the Hellenistic capital of Egypt; one of the Seven Wonders of the World (see SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD). The builder of this miracle of technology, the first and only lighthouse in the entire Greek world ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
A marble tower built on the island of Pharos by Ptolemy Philadelphus, which had 300 cubits in height and consisted of several floors, gradually tapering upwards. On top of it, a fire was lit at night, visible far into the sea. Building this tower... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron
See Art. seven wonders of the world. (Source: "Art. Modern Illustrated Encyclopedia." Under the editorship of Prof. A.P. Gorkin; M.: Rosmen; 2007.) ... Art Encyclopedia
Lighthouse- Lighthouse, UK. LIGHTHOUSE, a tower-type structure, usually installed on the shore or in shallow water. Serves as a navigational guide for ships. It is equipped with so-called beacon lights, as well as devices for giving sound signals, ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
LIGHTHOUSE, a tower-type structure, usually installed on the shore or in shallow water. Serves as a navigational guide for ships. It is equipped with so-called beacon lights, as well as devices for giving sound signals, radio signals (radio beacon) ... Modern Encyclopedia
Lighthouse- After the transformation of Alexandria into the most lively. sea center. The trade of Ptolemaic Egypt should have counted on the arrival of a significant number of ships at night. This necessitated the construction of M., since inciting ... ... Dictionary of antiquity
Lighthouse- after the transformation of Alexandria into the most lively. sea center. The trade of Ptolemaic Egypt should have been expected to arrive in it at night, too. the number of ships. This necessitated the construction of M., since the kindling of fires on ... ... Ancient world. encyclopedic Dictionary
Lighthouse, a tower-type structure that serves as a landmark for identifying coasts, determining the position of a vessel and warning of navigational danger. M. are equipped with light-optical systems, as well as other technical means alarms: ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
Lighthouse of Alexandria (Faros)- a lighthouse on the island of Pharos near Alexandria in Egypt, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Built in 285-280. BC. Sostratus of Cnidus in order to make it safe for ships to enter the harbor of Alexandria. It was a three-tiered tower with a height of ... ... Antique world. Dictionary reference.
A tower-like structure situated in or near navigable waters. It serves as a visible guide during the day and emits continuous light or flashes of light at night to alert sailors to hazards and help them identify... ... Collier Encyclopedia
Books
- 100 great wonders of the world, Ionina Nadezhda Alekseevna. great pyramids, hanging gardens Babylon, Pharos Lighthouse, Parthenon, Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, Cathedral of Christ the Savior… The world still writes legends about them, admiringly…
The first (lower) tier of the lighthouse with a square base resembled a fortress or a castle with towers installed at the corners. The towers were oriented to the cardinal points. The height of the tier reached about sixty meters. The flat roof of the lower tier served as the basis for the second tier. Triton statues were also installed on the roof here. Inside the first tier there was a garrison guarding the lighthouse, and maintenance personnel, as well as the necessary equipment and supplies of water and food in case of a siege.
II (middle) tier
The second (middle) tier with an octagonal base rose another forty meters. Inside the second tier, a ramp was presumably built, along which fuel for signal fire was raised to the third (upper) tier.
III (upper) tier
Columns supporting the dome of the lighthouse were installed on the third cylindrical tier. A signal fire was lit on the platform among the columns. The light of the signal fire was reflected and amplified by a whole system of polished bronze plates.
A huge golden statue of Poseidon was installed on the dome of the lighthouse. There was an impression that Poseidon guarded faros lighthouse, peering intently at their sea expanses.
Egypt, 3rd century BC
On the island of Pharos at the mouth of the Nile River, near the city of Alexandria, around 280 BC, the most big lighthouse antiquities. The height of this three-tiered tower reached 135 m. At its top, in an open stone pavilion, a fire was burning, showing the way to the ships. At night, they were helped in this by the reflection of flames, and during the day - by a column of smoke. It was the first lighthouse in the world, and it stood for 1500 years.
This busy port was founded by Alexander the Great during his visit to Egypt. The building was named after the island. The Pharos lighthouse consisted of three marble towers, standing on a base of massive stone blocks. The first tower was rectangular, it contained rooms in which workers and soldiers lived. Above this tower was a smaller, octagonal tower with a spiral ramp leading to the top tower.The upper tower was shaped like a cylinder, in which a fire burned, helping the ships safely reach the bay. At the top of the tower stood a statue of Zeus the Savior.
A large amount of fuel was required to keep the flame going. The tree was brought along a spiral ramp in carts pulled by horses or mules. Behind the flames were bronze plates that cast light into the sea. From the ships it was possible to see this lighthouse at a distance of up to 50 km. By the XII century A.D. the Alexandrian bay was so filled with silt that the ships could no longer use it. The lighthouse fell into disrepair. The bronze plates that served as mirrors were probably melted down into coins. In the 14th century, the lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake. A few years later, the Muslims used its ruins to build a military fort. The fort was subsequently rebuilt more than once and still stands on the site of the world's first lighthouse.
Lighthouse of Alexandria on the map:
Information: travel. rin. en
