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Egypt: Entrance to the Lighthouse of Alexandria Recovered from the Seabed

Published February 11, 2026, 09:22
Egypt: Entrance to the Lighthouse of Alexandria Recovered from the Seabed

Archaeologists in Egypt have successfully recovered parts of the entrance to the Lighthouse of Alexandria – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – from the seabed of the Eastern Harbour of Alexandria. The operation, which began in 2015, brought to light 22 granite and limestone blocks weighing up to 80 tons. Analysis of the findings shows that the entrance of the lighthouse combined Egyptian and Greek architectural influences, suggesting a more complex structure than previously thought. A particularly interesting discovery is a pylon-shaped structure with Egyptian elements, reinforcing the view that the lighthouse was architecturally advanced. Scientists from the French National Center for Scientific Research will conduct a detailed scan and analysis of the stones, to better understand the construction techniques and the final form of the monument. The research is part of the international Pharos program, which aims to create a digital twin of the lighthouse, namely a high-precision virtual reconstruction. This discovery is an important step towards reconstructing the history and architecture of the Lighthouse, as it is the most complete recovery of physical parts of the monument since its collapse. The research provides new information about the construction and functioning of the lighthouse, as well as the cultural influences of the time. The Pharos program and this discovery are expected to contribute to the promotion of tourism and cultural heritage in Egypt, while also providing valuable knowledge about ancient architecture and construction techniques.