7Lighthouse+of+Alexandria

**Lighthouse of Alexandria** By: Morgan ** __Essay: __ **  The Lighthouse of Alexandria was the first lighthouse ever built. Standing at a towering 400 feet, it was the second tallest building of its time. It was built in remembrance of Alexander the Great, as the city of Alexandria was founded by Alexander. It is the second largest city and the busiest seaport in Egypt.

 After Alexander’s death in 323 B.C., it was time for a new ruler. His name was Ptolemy Soter. He authorized the lighthouse to be built, but Ptolemy II was ruler when it was completed. It was built on Pharos Island in Egypt. This lighthouse was unlike a modern lighthouse. It was made of marble stone and the fire at the top was amplified by mirrors. It was used to guide ships and boats. Unfortunately, the unique lighthouse was destroyed by an earthquake.

This historic landmark was so amazing that the French, Italian, and Spanish word for “lighthouse” became “pharos”. This original lighthouse stood for about 1,500 years before its tragic tumble.