Александрийский маяк

Lighthouse of Alexandria

• The lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the 7 wonders of the world , was built in the third century BC so that ships could safely pass the reefs on their way to the Bay of Alexandria. At night they were helped in this by the reflection of the flames, and during the day by a column of smoke. It was the world's first lighthouse, and it stood for almost a thousand years, but in 796 ad it was severely damaged by an earthquake.

• The lighthouse was built on the small island of Pharos in the Mediterranean sea, near the coast of Alexandria. This lively port was founded by Alexander the Great during a visit to Egypt in 332 BC 

• The lighthouse consisted of three marble towers that stood on a base of massive stone blocks. The first tower was rectangular, containing rooms where workers and soldiers lived. 
•   Above this tower was a smaller, octagonal tower with a spiral ramp leading to the upper tower. The upper tower was shaped like a cylinder, in which a fire burned to help the ships safely reach the Bay. 
•   The total height of the lighthouse is 120 meters, its light was visible at a distance of 60 km. the lower part was a quadrilateral prism of 60 meters height with a square base, the length of the side of which was 30 m. 
• It was a 40-meter octagonal tower, faced with white marble. The upper (third) part of the lighthouse was built in the form of a cylindrical colonnade. 8 columns carried a dome topped with an 8-meter bronze figure.

• To maintain the flame , a large amount of fuel was required. The tree was brought along a spiral ramp on carts drawn by mules. Behind the flames were bronze plates that sent light into the sea.
• 9 by the 12th century ad, the Bay of Alexandria was so filled with silt that 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 XIV century, the lighthouse was completely destroyed by an earthquake.