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22 pieces of ancient Wonder of the World to be resurrected from Egypt harbor
22 pieces of ancient Wonder of the World to be resurrected from Egypt harbor

Miami Herald

time01-07-2025

  • 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.

The Gates of the Alexandria Lighthouse Emerge From the Sea!
The Gates of the Alexandria Lighthouse Emerge From the Sea!

Yahoo

time25-06-2025

  • Science
  • Yahoo

The Gates of the Alexandria Lighthouse Emerge From the Sea!

AN EXCEPTIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MISSION LIFTS 22 MASSIVE BLOCKS OF THE ALEXANDRIA LIGHTHOUSE IN EGYPT OUT OF THE WATER, TO STUDY AND SCAN THEM AS PART OF THE "PHAROS" PROGRAM TO DIGITALLY RECONSTRUCT THE LIGHTHOUSE. PARIS, June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--La Fondation Dassault Systèmes: An extraordinary lifting operation Thirty years after archaeologist Jean-Yves Empereur of the Centre d'Études Alexandrines (CEAlex) discovered the underwater remains of the Alexandria Lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the World—in 1995, a new remarkable mission is underway. Under the scientific supervision of archaeologist and architect Isabelle Hairy from the CNRS, the team has successfully lifted 22 of the lighthouse's largest stone blocks out of the water. These include monumental door lintels and jambs weighing 70 to 80 tons, the threshold, large base slabs, and parts of a previously unknown monument: a pylon with an Egyptian-style door crafted from the Hellenistic period. The goal of this exceptional and spectacular operation is to study and scan these architectural elements, adding them to a collection of over 100 blocks already digitized underwater over the past decade. After photogrammetric processing, the scanned blocks will be handed over to volunteer engineers with La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. Like pieces of a giant archaeological puzzle, each block will be analyzed and repositioned virtually. Using scientific simulations and virtual worlds, the team of engineers will test hypotheses about the lighthouse's construction and collapse, creating a digital twin of this lost wonder. The virtual model will revive the lighthouse's original grandeur, allowing visitors to explore it as if they were on site. A French-Led Excavation The CNRS - specifically its permanent unit in Egypt, the Centre d'études Alexandrines - is conducting the lighthouse excavation under the authority of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes has supported the project for the last three years. The "PHAROS" Project Funded by La Fondation Dassault Systèmes and led by Isabelle Hairy (CNRS - UMR 8167, Orient & Méditerranée), the PHAROS project brings together historians, numismatists, archaeologists, and architects to collect ancient depictions and descriptions of the lighthouse from the late fourth century BCE until its destruction in the early 15th century CE. This research helps to fill gaps left by the highly fragmented archaeological remains, as the lighthouse was quarried for building materials after it ceased operation in 1303 until the construction of the Qaitbay Fortress in 1477. These findings complement the parameters already available for the ongoing digital reconstruction, shedding light on the lighthouse's unique architecture—crucial since no major ancient lighthouse survives today. The Alexandria Lighthouse was the first of its kind and understanding its history offers insightful clues about how and why it collapsed. About the Alexandria Lighthouse Built at the beginning of the third century BCE by Ptolemy I, this incredible towering structure guided sailors approaching a treacherous coastline. Standing 100 meters tall, its beacon made the Egyptian city a shining hub at the heart of Mediterranean trade. Symbolizing the city's power and the prestige of its builders, Pharos can be regarded as humanity's first skyscraper. Its technical brilliance and architectural genius – emblems of the era's scientific and artistic peak – allowed it to withstand time and history for over 1,600 years. A major documentary project GEDEON Programmes, a renowned French producer of history and science documentaries, helped cofinance the 1995 Alexandria Lighthouse rescue mission and produced the acclaimed film "The Seventh Wonder of the World" which was broadcasted on France 2 and major international channels such as the BBC, PBS, ZDF, RAI, NHK, and others. In 2025, GEDEON Programmes is again supporting the CEAlex's mission by funding the barge and crane used to lift the lighthouse blocks. This spectacular operation was filmed by GEDEON Programmes' teams, led by director Laurence Thiriat, for a 90-minute documentary set to premiere in prime time on France Télévisions. About the Partners: The Centre for Alexandrian Studies (CNRS/Ifao): Established in Alexandria since 1990, this CNRS research and support unit, under the direction of Thomas Faucher, focuses on the historical and archaeological study of the city of Alexandria and its surrounding countryside. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes: The foundation places 3D virtual world technology at the service of education and scientific exploration. It supports the academic world, research centers, and public-interest organizations in their efforts to promote education, research, and heritage preservation. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes is also committed to inspiring careers in science and engineering, particularly among students. Going beyond mere financial support, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, through its volunteers, provides cutting-edge technological expertise—a true driving force that helps its partners bring their projects to life and open up new horizons. GEDEON Programmes: Specializing in historical, scientific, nature, and cultural documentaries, GEDEON Programmes has been a key player in French audiovisual production for over 30 years, with more than 50 films produced annually and distributed worldwide. Through its GEDEON Experiences division, the company also produces immersive exhibitions and virtual reality experiences on historical and cultural themes. France Télévisions: France Télévisions is proud to support the documentary The Lighthouse of Alexandria, winner of the Global Doc call for projects—an alliance of 10 international public broadcasters dedicated to producing ambitious and innovative projects. As a major player in the documentary field, France Télévisions highlights the great scientific adventures of our time. In Science Grand Format, a weekly program hosted by Mathieu Vidard, passionate scientists share their latest discoveries about the mysteries of science and great civilizations. CNRS : A major player in fundamental research worldwide, the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) is the only French organization active in all fields of science. Its unique position as a multi-specialist enables it to bring together the various scientific disciplines to shed light on and understand the challenges of today's world, in conjunction with public and socio-economic players. Together, the sciences are at the service of sustainable progress that benefits society as a whole. View source version on Contacts Media contacts : La Fondation Dassault Systèmes Arnaud +33 01 61 62 87 73GEDEON Programmes Stéphane Millièresmilliere@ +33 6 20 60 66 02Centre d'Études Alexandrines Thomas +201014829601UMR 8167, Orient et MéditerranéesIsabelle +33 6 85 65 21 54France Televisions Frédérique +33 6 32 69 63 12CNRS Priscilla +33 1 44 96 46 06 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

The Gates of the Alexandria Lighthouse Emerge From the Sea!
The Gates of the Alexandria Lighthouse Emerge From the Sea!

Business Wire

time25-06-2025

  • Science
  • Business Wire

The Gates of the Alexandria Lighthouse Emerge From the Sea!

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--La Fondation Dassault Systèmes: An extraordinary lifting operation Thirty years after archaeologist Jean-Yves Empereur of the Centre d'Études Alexandrines (CEAlex) discovered the underwater remains of the Alexandria Lighthouse—one of the Seven Wonders of the World—in 1995, a new remarkable mission is underway. Under the scientific supervision of archaeologist and architect Isabelle Hairy from the CNRS, the team has successfully lifted 22 of the lighthouse's largest stone blocks out of the water. These include monumental door lintels and jambs weighing 70 to 80 tons, the threshold, large base slabs, and parts of a previously unknown monument: a pylon with an Egyptian-style door crafted from the Hellenistic period. The goal of this exceptional and spectacular operation is to study and scan these architectural elements, adding them to a collection of over 100 blocks already digitized underwater over the past decade. After photogrammetric processing, the scanned blocks will be handed over to volunteer engineers with La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. Like pieces of a giant archaeological puzzle, each block will be analyzed and repositioned virtually. Using scientific simulations and virtual worlds, the team of engineers will test hypotheses about the lighthouse's construction and collapse, creating a digital twin of this lost wonder. The virtual model will revive the lighthouse's original grandeur, allowing visitors to explore it as if they were on site. A French-Led Excavation The CNRS - specifically its permanent unit in Egypt, the Centre d'études Alexandrines - is conducting the lighthouse excavation under the authority of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes has supported the project for the last three years. The 'PHAROS' Project Funded by La Fondation Dassault Systèmes and led by Isabelle Hairy (CNRS - UMR 8167, Orient & Méditerranée), the PHAROS project brings together historians, numismatists, archaeologists, and architects to collect ancient depictions and descriptions of the lighthouse from the late fourth century BCE until its destruction in the early 15 th century CE. This research helps to fill gaps left by the highly fragmented archaeological remains, as the lighthouse was quarried for building materials after it ceased operation in 1303 until the construction of the Qaitbay Fortress in 1477. These findings complement the parameters already available for the ongoing digital reconstruction, shedding light on the lighthouse's unique architecture—crucial since no major ancient lighthouse survives today. The Alexandria Lighthouse was the first of its kind and understanding its history offers insightful clues about how and why it collapsed. About the Alexandria Lighthouse Built at the beginning of the third century BCE by Ptolemy I, this incredible towering structure guided sailors approaching a treacherous coastline. Standing 100 meters tall, its beacon made the Egyptian city a shining hub at the heart of Mediterranean trade. Symbolizing the city's power and the prestige of its builders, Pharos can be regarded as humanity's first skyscraper. Its technical brilliance and architectural genius – emblems of the era's scientific and artistic peak – allowed it to withstand time and history for over 1,600 years. A major documentary project GEDEON Programmes, a renowned French producer of history and science documentaries, helped cofinance the 1995 Alexandria Lighthouse rescue mission and produced the acclaimed film 'The Seventh Wonder of the World' which was broadcasted on France 2 and major international channels such as the BBC, PBS, ZDF, RAI, NHK, and others. In 2025, GEDEON Programmes is again supporting the CEAlex's mission by funding the barge and crane used to lift the lighthouse blocks. This spectacular operation was filmed by GEDEON Programmes' teams, led by director Laurence Thiriat, for a 90-minute documentary set to premiere in prime time on France Télévisions. About the Partners: The Centre for Alexandrian Studies (CNRS/Ifao): Established in Alexandria since 1990, this CNRS research and support unit, under the direction of Thomas Faucher, focuses on the historical and archaeological study of the city of Alexandria and its surrounding countryside. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes: The foundation places 3D virtual world technology at the service of education and scientific exploration. It supports the academic world, research centers, and public-interest organizations in their efforts to promote education, research, and heritage preservation. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes is also committed to inspiring careers in science and engineering, particularly among students. Going beyond mere financial support, La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, through its volunteers, provides cutting-edge technological expertise—a true driving force that helps its partners bring their projects to life and open up new horizons. GEDEON Programmes: Specializing in historical, scientific, nature, and cultural documentaries, GEDEON Programmes has been a key player in French audiovisual production for over 30 years, with more than 50 films produced annually and distributed worldwide. Through its GEDEON Experiences division, the company also produces immersive exhibitions and virtual reality experiences on historical and cultural themes. France Télévisions: France Télévisions is proud to support the documentary The Lighthouse of Alexandria, winner of the Global Doc call for projects—an alliance of 10 international public broadcasters dedicated to producing ambitious and innovative projects. As a major player in the documentary field, France Télévisions highlights the great scientific adventures of our time. In Science Grand Format, a weekly program hosted by Mathieu Vidard, passionate scientists share their latest discoveries about the mysteries of science and great civilizations. CNRS : A major player in fundamental research worldwide, the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) is the only French organization active in all fields of science. Its unique position as a multi-specialist enables it to bring together the various scientific disciplines to shed light on and understand the challenges of today's world, in conjunction with public and socio-economic players. Together, the sciences are at the service of sustainable progress that benefits society as a whole.

£10m grant for mill library conversion reinstated
£10m grant for mill library conversion reinstated

Yahoo

time18-02-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

£10m grant for mill library conversion reinstated

Funding to convert a Victorian mill in Leeds into a northern outpost of the British Library has been granted despite fears it had been withdrawn. The government has awarded £10m to the project to restore the Grade I-listed Temple Works in the Holbeck area of the city. Last year the Treasury said it was "minded to withdraw" from the scheme in a bid to make savings, but the money has now been confirmed. Leeds Civic Trust director Martin Hamilton said the backing was "fantastic" but that millions more would be needed to bring the former flax mill back into use. Temple Works has been empty for 20 years and was once the subject of plans by Burberry to open a factory at the site. It has Egyptian-style architecture. The £10m grant had been originally earmarked from the Department of Levelling Up's £100m culture regeneration budget, with British Library North one of 16 selected projects. Mr Hamilton said regenerating the "hugely important" building would "reach out" to communities nearby. "If you look at the area of Holbeck, which has been the subject of lots of regeneration in recent years, It does suffer from a disconnect with areas like Beeston. "You have the railway lines that sever more prosperous part of the city from the less prosperous parts. "Institutions like this can really connect and provide employment opportunities." It has been estimated that the scheme would cost £70m in total, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has contributed £5m. Temple Works also received a £1m boost for repairs in 2022 from Historic England. Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, also welcomed the funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. "We have worked hard in recent months with partners, including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Homes England and the British Library itself, to make the case for this funding. "We will now continue to work alongside partners on detailed plans for the full funding, design and development of a project that remains a complex and challenging undertaking, but one that offers a major regeneration opportunity for both Temple Works and the surrounding area." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here. British Library outpost plan could lose £10m grant Egyptian-style landmark mill gets £1m repair boost

British Library North: Temple Works restoration grant confirmed
British Library North: Temple Works restoration grant confirmed

BBC News

time18-02-2025

  • Business
  • BBC News

British Library North: Temple Works restoration grant confirmed

Funding to convert a Victorian mill in Leeds into a northern outpost of the British Library has been granted despite fears it had been government has awarded £10m to the project to restore the Grade I-listed Temple Works in the Holbeck area of the year the Treasury said it was "minded to withdraw" from the scheme in a bid to make savings, but the money has now been Civic Trust director Martin Hamilton said the backing was "fantastic" but that millions more would be needed to bring the former flax mill back into use. Temple Works has been empty for 20 years and was once the subject of plans by Burberry to open a factory at the site. It has Egyptian-style architecture. The £10m grant had been originally earmarked from the Department of Levelling Up's £100m culture regeneration budget, with British Library North one of 16 selected Hamilton said regenerating the "hugely important" building would "reach out" to communities nearby."If you look at the area of Holbeck, which has been the subject of lots of regeneration in recent years, It does suffer from a disconnect with areas like Beeston."You have the railway lines that sever more prosperous part of the city from the less prosperous parts."Institutions like this can really connect and provide employment opportunities." It has been estimated that the scheme would cost £70m in total, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has contributed £ Works also received a £1m boost for repairs in 2022 from Historic James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, also welcomed the funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government."We have worked hard in recent months with partners, including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Homes England and the British Library itself, to make the case for this funding."We will now continue to work alongside partners on detailed plans for the full funding, design and development of a project that remains a complex and challenging undertaking, but one that offers a major regeneration opportunity for both Temple Works and the surrounding area."Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.

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