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THE LIGHTHOUSE OF ALEXANDRIA
//(Part one)//

__**Location:**__ This lighthouse is located on the ancient island of Pharos. Currently, it is located on a base that is in the port city of Alexandria, Egypt. It was built by architect Sorstalo of Cnidus in the 3rd century BC, especially between 285 and 247 and was commissioned by Ptolemy II Philadelfus.

__**Function**__: The Lighthouse of Alexandria is the only of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World which was built with a functional purpose because it served as a guide to sailors. In its top there was a large metal mirror which reflected the sunlight during the day while it reflected the firelight at night. These lights were reflected at a distance of about 50 kilometers.

//(Part two)//

__**Description:**__ The lighthouse was a big building that had three parts, one built right on top of the other. The lowest part was square and it was 183 feet high. The middle was octagonal in shape and it was 90 feet high. The highest part was 24 feet high in the shape of a cylinder. The total height including the base was 384 feet. Which would be a 40 story building in modern times. The lighthouse had a mirror in the highest part. The mirror could reflect the light more then 35 miles off-shore. Mythical stories used to say that this mirror was used to burn the enemy ships before they could sail into the harbor.

__**Destruction:**__ Most accounts indicate that it, like many other ancient buildings, was the victim of earthquakes. It stood for 1,500 years but was damaged by tremors in 365 and 1303 AD Reports indicate the final collapse came in 1326. Of the 6 ancient destroyed wonders this was the last to be destroyed.

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