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On top of this was a circular tower that housed fire (for use to alert ships during night) and great mirror (for use during day). A statue of Poseidon stood on top this tower.
The Pharos Lighthouse was a true wonder in architecture and engineering, bearing similarities to modern skyscrapers. It measured up to a modern 40-story building. The Greeks were so impressed with it that they included it as one of Seven Wonders of Ancient World.
The mirror of Pharos Lighthouse appeared to be quite famous in ancient times. Many people believed that mirror was so smooth and powerful that it could be used to reflect sun's rays onto invading ships and burn them. Another belief was that mirror was so strong it could be used to observe and spy on competing city-states across Mediterranean Sea, more than 100 miles away. However, it is highly unlikely that either of these stories are true.
From historical evidence, it appears that Pharos Lighthouse was also a tourist attraction. Hundreds of visitors climbed Lighthouse everyday to enjoy fantastic view around Alexandria. Food vendors also sold their goods at top of each section of Pharos.
However, Pharos Lighthouse was damaged by earthquakes, becoming totally demolished in early 14th century. Its ruins and location were subsequently used by Egyptian Sultan Qaitbay to build a fort in 1480, thus ending story for this Wonder of World.
For more information on Lighthouse of Alexandria, visit http://www.nekhebet.com/w_lighthouse.html
Steven maintains the informational website Wonders of Ancient Egypt at http://www.nekhebet.com . Do visit if you want to find out more about the wonders of Egypt such as the Pyramids and the Lighthouse; or mysteries such as mummifcation and conspiracy theories; or its religion and history.