Image Courtesy: PHAROS
Archaeologists have recovered massive stone blocks from the seabed off Egypt’s coast, believed to be part of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The discovery is part of ongoing efforts to document and reconstruct the remains of the long-lost structure.
The work is being carried out under the PHAROS project, which focuses on underwater exploration near the city of Alexandria. Researchers have lifted 22 large architectural elements, some weighing up to 80 tons, from the Mediterranean floor, as reported by Daily Galaxy.
The recovered pieces include structural components such as lintels, doorjambs, thresholds, and paving slabs. These elements are believed to have formed part of the lighthouse’s monumental entrance, which combined architectural influences from both Egyptian and Greek traditions.
The site itself has been known for decades. Underwater remains were first identified in 1968, and a major survey in 1994 cataloged thousands of objects linked to the lighthouse and surrounding structures. These included statues, columns, and granite blocks scattered across the seabed.
Recent efforts have focused on extracting some of the largest and most significant pieces for closer study. Each recovered block is being scanned using high precision photogrammetry to create detailed digital models. These models are then used to virtually reconstruct the lighthouse, piece by piece.
The original lighthouse, built in the 3rd century BCE under the rule of Ptolemy I Soter, stood on the island of Pharos and was one of the tallest man made structures of its time, reaching over 100 meters in height. It served as a critical navigational aid for ships entering the busy port of Alexandria for more than a thousand years.
The structure was eventually destroyed by a series of earthquakes, with significant damage recorded in the 14th century. Many of its remaining stones were later reused in other buildings, including the Citadel of Qaitbay, constructed on the same site.
By combining physical remains with historical records and ancient descriptions, researchers aim to recreate a more accurate representation of the lighthouse. The project treats the recovered elements as parts of a large puzzle, gradually revealing how the structure once appeared.
The findings provide new insights into ancient engineering and construction techniques, while also helping preserve the legacy of one of history’s most iconic landmarks.