Digital Reconstruction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria Begins

A team of archaeologists and architects has launched a digital reconstruction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, scanning thousands of submerged stone fragments of the ancient wonder.

Digital Project to Rebuild an Ancient Wonder

According to the Boraq Hamim Art News Agency, citing The New York Times, a team of historians, architects, and programmers has begun a large-scale project to digitally reconstruct the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The structure, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was commissioned by Ptolemy I Soter, a general of Alexander the Great, and completed during the reign of his son, Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Rising to an estimated height of about 140 meters (460 feet), it was considered the second-tallest structure of the ancient world after the Great Pyramid of Giza. The lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships safely into the busy harbor of Alexandria.

A Fusion of Greek and Egyptian Architectural Traditions

Built on the island of Pharos off the coast of Alexandria, the lighthouse consisted of three main sections: a rectangular base, an octagonal middle tier, and a cylindrical tower at the top. Mirrors and furnaces at the summit produced a powerful light that guided sailors toward the harbor.

Recent discoveries suggest the structure combined Greek engineering techniques with Egyptian stylistic elements. During the reconstruction project, researchers identified a pylon-like structure that reflects this architectural fusion, highlighting the cultural exchange that shaped Mediterranean civilizations.

Scanning Thousands of Submerged Architectural Fragments

The lighthouse suffered severe damage from a series of earthquakes and ultimately collapsed after the 1303 Crete earthquake. Over time, most of its remains sank beneath the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Today, the Pharos Project team is using cranes to lift granite blocks and architectural fragments from the seabed. After scanning them, researchers digitally position each piece within a three-dimensional model. So far, approximately 5,000 architectural elements and artifacts have been scanned.

However, poor underwater visibility and uneven seabed conditions have complicated the process. Archaeologists say the lack of clear sediment layers makes scanning difficult, and the full reconstruction may take generations to complete.

Analysis

The digital reconstruction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria demonstrates how modern technology is transforming heritage preservation. Three-dimensional scanning and digital modeling allow researchers to recreate lost monuments without extensive physical reconstruction.

From a broader cultural perspective, the project reflects the importance of preserving architectural knowledge and transmitting it across generations. The lighthouse itself represented a synthesis of Greek and Egyptian traditions, and its digital revival continues that legacy through international collaboration and advanced technology.

Such initiatives may also serve as models for preserving endangered historical sites around the world, particularly in regions where environmental conditions threaten ancient monuments.