Archaeologists Discover 80-Ton Stones Beneath the Sea, Believed to Be Remains of One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
The Daily Galaxy • • world
Key Points:
- Archaeologists have recovered 22 massive stone blocks weighing 70 to 80 tons each from the seabed off Alexandria, linked to the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- The recovered elements, including lintels, doorjambs, thresholds, and paving slabs, likely formed part of the lighthouse’s monumental entrance, showcasing a blend of Egyptian and Greek architectural styles.
- The PHAROS project has been conducting underwater research since 1968, with major cataloging efforts in 1994 identifying over 3,300 objects related to the lighthouse and surrounding structures.
- Using high-precision photogrammetry, the team digitizes each stone block to create detailed 3D models, enabling a virtual reconstruction of the lighthouse by combining physical remains with ancient descriptions.
- Built in the early 3rd century BCE under Ptolemy I Soter, the lighthouse stood over 100 meters tall on the island of Pharos and served as a crucial navigational aid for over a millennium in the eastern Mediterranean.
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