Tours: The Island of Pharos

Learn about the Islands of Pharos, and the monuments located on the islands.
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|-|The Heptastadion=
The Heptastadion was a bridge-like causeway connecting the island of Pharos to mainland Alexandria.
Its name is based on the Greek terms of measurement: hepta meaning seven and stadion, which is a measure of length of roughly 180 meters.
|-|Seperating Ports=
Since its construction would seperate the Grand Port to the east and the Port of Eunostos to the west, it was designed with channels at each end.
These openings allowed passage from one port to the other.
|-|Protector & Aqueduct=
Along with creating seperate harbors for the commercial and military shipping, the causeway served as a main aqueduct for the island's inhabitants.
Its presence also helped protect the island its ports from rough wind and sea currents.
At the end of antiquity, the Heptastadion disappeared under layers of slit and soil, which formed an important sedimentary deposit.
|-|Greek Temples=
While the Serapeion was the most celebrated of the temples in Alexandria, many other temples were built within the city.
Most of these structures have been completely erased over time, and there is no way to discern how many existed.
However, research of ancient papyri offer tantalizing hints as to the possible location of at least some of the temples.
|-|Iset Fortuna=
Both papyri and coins reveal evidence of many temples built for the gods.
Poseidon, the god of the sea, likely had an edifice in his honor west of this island, as well as on the main land.
This temple next to you is dedicated to Iset Pharia, the divine protector of the lighthouse. This location hosted annual celebrations in the month of April known as the Sacrum Pharia, in connection to the lighthouse.
In her incarnation as Iset Fortuna, the goddess carries a rudder and a cornucopia, both symbols of good luck for navigators.
|-|The Pharos=
Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was a source of great pride for the inhabitants of the city.
Construction began under Ptolemy I's reign and lasted fifteen years. It was completed during his son's rule.
Once completed the lighthouse was dedicated to the gods, for the salvation of those who sail the sea.
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|-|A Three Tiered Sturcture=
Built on the island of Pharos, the stone structure was three tiers set on top of one another in a step formation.
The second floor consisted of an octagonal tower and the top floor was a cylindrical tower topped by a statue.
The interior provided space for staff rooms and a ramp, which allowed the transport of fuel to the upper floors.
|-|A Functioning Lighthouse=
Essential to safe navigation through the rifts and shallow waters, the Pharos was a functioning lighthouse, with a beam reported visibl 50 kilometers away.
It's unclear what kind of fuel was used, or how much. Any other details of how the light worked remain a mystery.
|-|Skyscraper of Antiquity=
For several centuries the Pharos was one of the highest monuments ever built by man. It measured roughly 110 meters in height, compared to the Pyramid of Giza which was 140 meters tall.
Gradually the structure was eroded by earthquakes, and then completely destroyed in 1480 CE when a fort was built over it.
Archaeological excavations on the seabed have uncovered many blocks from the ancient building.
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Category:Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt