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Miami Herald
01-07-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
22 pieces of ancient Wonder of the World to be resurrected from Egypt harbor
Thirty years after its discovery, pieces of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, which stood watch long ago in the harbors of ancient Egypt, are being pulled from the depths of the Mediterranean. Archaeologists are planning to bring 22 of the largest blocks, including portions of the lighthouse's colossal door, in order to scan and digitally reconstruct it, according to a July 1 news release from France's National Center for Scientific Research. Also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, this famous lighthouse is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The team said they plan to extract the uprights and lintels of the door, estimated to weigh about 176,000 pounds, as well as the threshold and base slabs, according to the release. They also plan to pull up a previously unknown pylon with an Egyptian-style door and Greek-style technique, the release said. Once the blocks are scanned, they will be used in virtual models and reconstructions to test all hypotheses about how the lighthouse was built and why it fell, according to archaeologists. The virtual reconstruction will bring the storied structure back to its original splendor and give people a chance to view it as if they were actually there, experts said. The excavation is being conducted by France's National Center for Scientific Research, specifically by its permanent unit in Egypt, the Center for Alexandrian Studies, under the authority of the Ministry of Tourism and Egyptian Antiquities, the release said. Built by Sostratus of Cnidus and finished during the reign of his son Ptolemy II of Egypt in about 280 B.C., the lighthouse is estimated to have stood 350 feet tall, surpassed only by the pyramids of Giza. The lighthouse was one of the last of the ancient Wonders of the World to be destroyed, first reduced to rubble by multiple earthquakes, then turned into a fort in the late 15th century, according to experts. The ruins of the Lighthouse of Alexandria were discovered in 1995 by archaeologist Jean-Yves, according to the release. Google Translate was used to translate the news release from France's National Center for Scientific Research.
Egypt Independent
10-06-2025
- Egypt Independent
Photos: Egypt inaugurates Qaitbay Citadel Visitor Center
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the opening of the Qaitbay Citadel Visitor Center in Alexandria, which comes to improve the quality of services provided to visitors to museums and archaeological sites. The center was set up within one of the halls of the main tower of the Qaitbay Citadel, in cooperation with the French Center for Alexandrian Studies, under the direction of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy. The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, explained that this comes as part of the ministry's strategy to improve services at archaeological sites and enhance cultural communication with visitors. It also aims to shed light on the rich history of the archaeological area surrounding Qaitbay Citadel, including prominent historical sites, such as the ancient lighthouse and the eastern port, which was a pivotal part of the royal district of ancient Alexandria. The Director General of the General Administration of Tourist, Archaeological Sites, and Museums Services, Bassem Ibrahim, said that the center provides information on unique archaeological structures, such as the Royal Port, the Timonium Building, Antrodos Island, the marine docks, and the shipyards. The visitor center also explores the development of Alexandria's defensive fortifications, focusing on the historical role of Qaitbay Citadel, along with the fortifications constructed during the reign of Muhammad Ali Pasha along the northern coast. He added that the center's display features nine bilingual information panels in Arabic and English, supported by maps and illustrative diagrams that facilitate understanding of the historical and architectural sequence of the area. A screen also displays a film about the ancient lighthouse site, along with seating for visitors to rest.
