The Ptolemy Lighthouse is a misleading topic to many. In actuality the Ptolemy Lighthouse was a join construction project between Ptolemy I Soter (reportedly Alexander the Great’s favorite general and at the time future ruler of Egypt) and Governor Satrap. The lighthouse is more commonly known as the Lighthouse of Alexandria, of course because it is built on the island of Pharos in Alexandria.

The Ptolemy lighthouse was built around the third century BC to serve as a landmark and lighthouse for the island of Pharos. Estimates place the great tower at about one hundred and fifty meters tall, making it the third tallest man made structure on earth for hundreds of years (after the two great pyramids). It was identified as one of the wonders of the modern world by Antipater of Sidon.

Since the Egyptian landscape was so flat the Ptolemy Lighthouse was deemed necessary as a day marker initially, as it could be seen for hundreds of kilometers. Later, as lighthouses became more prevalent, a large reflecting mirror was added to the top, which reflected the sun at day and a large fire by night.

The Ptolemy Lighthouse serves as evidence of Chinese exploration as there is an ancient Chinese story telling about the great structure. The size of the structure was legendary, saying that three horses could be ridden side by side through the passageways.

Eventually the tower was destroyed by two great earthquakes in 1303 and 1323. In the fifteenth century Fort Qaitbey was erected in it’s place using some of the original stones from the Ptolemy lighthouse, so it still acts somewhat as a thing of beauty.