The lighthouse of Alexandria was raised from the bottom: archaeologists will restore one of the seven wonders of the world

Alexandria Lighthouseone of seven wonders of the ancient worldwas partially recovered from the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea during a large-scale archaeological operation in Eastern port of Alexandria.

Work has been ongoing since June 2015. During this time, researchers recovered from the bottom 22 massive blocks from granite and limestone weighing up to 80 tons every. The discovered elements belong to the entrance group of the lighthouse and include crossbars, side slabs and fragments of the floor covering.

According to experts, the find allows for the first time in many centuries to restore the key architectural elements of the structure.

The analysis showed that the entrance design style combines Egyptian and Greek motifsindicating a more complex architectural concept for the lighthouse than previously thought.

Of particular interest is a previously unknown structure in the form of a pylon with an Egyptian-type doorway, which confirms the synthesis of cultures in the Hellenistic era.

Archaeologists are lifting 70- to 80-ton stones from the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the most intriguing part is that some pieces appear to be part of a long-lost monumental doorway…https://t.co/temmR8faUC

— James Trageser (@jtrag) (@jtrag) February 10, 2026

Scientists from the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) begin detailed scanning and digital analysis of the raised blocks. The goal is to study construction technologies and reconstruct the original appearance of the structure.

The research is carried out within the framework of an international project Pharoswhich provides for the creation of a so-called “digital twin” of the lighthouse – a detailed virtual model of the monument.

Pharos of Alexandria (Alexandria Lighthouse) was built in the 3rd century BC. e. according to the architect’s design Sostratus of Knidos during the reign of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

The height of the structure reached about 140 meters. In ancient times, it was the tallest building in the world after the pyramids of Cheops and Khafre.

The lighthouse consisted of four levels: a square base, a rectangular body, an octagonal superstructure and a round tower with a crowning statue of Poseidon or Apollo.

On the upper level there was a bronze mirror that reflected sunlight during the day, and at night a fire was used to serve as a navigational guide for ships.

The structure functioned until the 14th century AD. e., when it was finally destroyed as a result of a series of earthquakes.

Modern research allows us to get closer to a scientifically based reconstruction of one of the most important monuments of ancient engineering and architecture.

Source link