Podcast Summary: "The Lighthouse of Alexandria" – Short History Of... Hosted by NOISER

Release Date: November 11, 2024

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Lighthouse of Alexandria," hosted by John Hopkins and produced by a talented team including Katrina Hughes, Kate Simants, and others, the Short History Of... podcast delves into the illustrious past of one of antiquity’s most remarkable structures—the Lighthouse of Alexandria. This episode transports listeners back to ancient Egypt, unraveling the architectural brilliance, historical significance, and enduring legacy of the Lighthouse, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Founding of Alexandria and the Vision of Alexander the Great

The story begins in 331 BC with Alexander III of Macedon, widely known as Alexander the Great, arriving in Egypt. Seeking to establish a city that would serve as a nexus between Africa, Asia, and Europe, Alexander sets his sights on the small island of Pharos. Guided by dreams and inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, he envisions a metropolis that would not only be a trading hub but also a beacon of knowledge and culture.

Professor Islam Issa shares insights into Alexander's plans:

"[...] it's little more than a tiny hill of limestone. But if the island could be connected to the mainland by a causeway, Alexander can see there's some potential he could create two harbours, one on either side." ([07:58])

Alexander commissions the construction of a causeway, the Heptostadion, linking Pharos to Alexandria, thereby facilitating the creation of two harbors—one for international commerce and the other for local trade and ship repairs.

Construction and Architectural Marvel

Following Alexander’s untimely death in 323 BC, his empire fragments, and Egypt comes under the rule of Ptolemy I. Ptolemy, a close friend and confidant of Alexander, takes charge of completing the city’s monumental projects, including the Lighthouse.

Professor Islam Issa elaborates on Alexandria’s ambitious design:

"So Alexandria is built on an ambitious scale. It's immediately built with wide roads, so plenty of lanes for the carriages on the promenade. Its roads are built at an angle so it can benefit from the breeze of the sea." ([11:18])

Under Ptolemy II, construction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria commences around 290 BC and takes approximately 14 years to complete. The lighthouse stands over 100 meters tall, constructed from gleaming white limestone, and features three distinct tiers topped with a statue of Zeus. This architectural feat not only served practical purposes for navigation but also symbolized the city’s wealth, power, and its role as a center of learning.

Professor Islam Issa provides details on the Lighthouse’s structure:

"The lighthouse comprises three tiers. The lowest and largest is rectangular... the second tier is Octagonal. On top of that is the third layer, a hollow cylinder encircled by pillars, which contains a furnace and a mirror to reflect the light." ([18:54])

Significance and Symbolism

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was more than a navigational aid; it was a symbol of human ingenuity and the city’s prominence in the ancient world. It facilitated safe passage for countless sailors, enhancing Alexandria’s status as a vital trading hub.

Professor Islam Issa emphasizes the Lighthouse’s symbolic importance:

"The lighthouse goes well beyond practical purposes because it's a symbol of power. It's imposing, it's grand, it's tall, it's strong... it's spreading light. And we see that as a city that becomes a knowledge capital of the world, spreading light of knowledge far and wide." ([21:07])

The Lighthouse also played a pivotal role in deterring land pirates, known as wreckers, who would create false lights to lure ships onto rocky shores. By providing a reliable beacon, the Lighthouse ensured safer navigation and protected the economic lifelines of Alexandria.

Decline and Destruction

Despite its grandeur, the Lighthouse of Alexandria faced numerous challenges over the centuries. Natural calamities such as earthquakes in the 8th, 10th, and 14th centuries severely damaged the structure, leading to its gradual deterioration. Additionally, political upheavals, including the transition from Ptolemaic to Roman rule and later Islamic conquests, shifted the city’s focus and resources away from its original splendors.

Professor Islam Issa recounts the Lighthouse’s decline:

"By the end of the 14th century, the lighthouse is gone. For the best part of two millennia, it has endured earthquakes, floods and conflicts that changed the lives of the city's people." ([36:12])

The final blows came from a series of devastating earthquakes in the early 14th century, culminating in the structure’s complete ruin. The remnants of the Lighthouse were eventually repurposed in the construction of the Citadel of Qaitbay in the 15th century, which still stands today as a testament to the enduring legacy of Pharos.

Archaeological Discoveries and Modern Insights

The episode highlights significant archaeological endeavors that have shed light on the Lighthouse’s history. Notably, a remarkable papyrus found in an Egyptian tomb provides contemporary accounts of the Lighthouse, including poems by Posidippus, a courtier of Ptolemy I.

Professor Islam Issa discusses the importance of the papyrus:

"[...] it's the earliest and only piece of writing on the lighthouse from the period of its inauguration." ([44:38])

Additionally, underwater explorations have uncovered fragments of statues believed to have adorned the Lighthouse, including that of Zeus. These findings reinforce historical accounts and provide tangible connections to the ancient structure.

Professor Islam Issa notes:

"There was another one earlier in the 20th century, where they managed to raise a statue of a queen who seemed to have the features of Isis, so was likely to be Ptolemy's wife." ([45:46])

Legacy and Enduring Influence

The Lighthouse of Alexandria left an indelible mark on architectural design, influencing the construction of subsequent lighthouses and even modern structures. The term "pharos" has become synonymous with lighthouses across various languages, underscoring its lasting impact.

Professor Islam Issa reflects on the Lighthouse’s legacy:

"The word pharos is the word for lighthouse in many languages. The way in which it was built is taken to become a standard way of building a lighthouse both east and west of Alexandria." ([48:20])

Moreover, the Lighthouse continues to symbolize Alexandria’s historical significance and its role as a beacon of knowledge and culture. Its image adorns the city’s flag and appears in various forms of art and graffiti, maintaining its presence in the collective imagination.

Conclusion

"The Lighthouse of Alexandria" episode offers a comprehensive exploration of one of history’s most fascinating structures. From its inception under Alexander the Great’s visionary plans to its architectural marvel and eventual decline, the Lighthouse serves as a powerful symbol of human achievement and the enduring quest for knowledge. Through expert insights and engaging narratives, the episode underscores the Lighthouse’s pivotal role in shaping Alexandria’s legacy as a center of trade, culture, and learning.

Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the Lighthouse of Alexandria, not only as an ancient wonder but also as a timeless emblem of human ingenuity and aspiration.

Notable Quotes:

• Professor Islam Issa ([07:58]):

  "When he reaches his destination, the island of Pharos, it's not quite what he expects... It was likely just a barren island."

• Professor Islam Issa ([11:18]):

  "Alexandria is built on an ambitious scale... it's undergoing lots of migration because Alexandria starts with nobody there."

• Professor Islam Issa ([18:54]):

  "The lighthouse comprises three tiers... a furnace and a mirror to reflect the light."

• Professor Islam Issa ([21:07]):

  "The lighthouse goes well beyond practical purposes because it's a symbol of power... spreading light of knowledge far and wide."

• Professor Islam Issa ([36:12]):

  "By the end of the 14th century, the lighthouse is gone... it has endured earthquakes, floods and conflicts."

• Professor Islam Issa ([44:38]):

  "It's the earliest and only piece of writing on the lighthouse from the period of its inauguration."

• Professor Islam Issa ([48:20]):

  "The word pharos is the word for lighthouse in many languages... Alexandria’s emblem."

Recommendation: For enthusiasts of history and architecture, this episode offers an enlightening journey through time, shedding light on the marvel that was the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Whether you're familiar with ancient wonders or new to the subject, this detailed exploration provides a captivating narrative that underscores the enduring legacy of Alexandria's most iconic landmark.