22 Massive Blocks of Ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria Raised for Digital Study
February 13, 2026
Off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, divers have lifted 22 large stone blocks belonging to the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Known as Pharos, this lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The blocks, some weighing 70 to 80 tonnes, include door lintels, jambs, thresholds, and large base slabs. A new Egyptian-style pylon was also found, dating back to the Hellenistic period.
This recovery is part of the PHAROS project, led by French and Egyptian teams. The project aims to document, scan, and digitally rebuild the lighthouse using the recovered stones and underwater fragments. Over 100 blocks have already been digitized in the past decade. Technological support comes from La Fondation Dassault Systèmes, which has helped lift and analyze the blocks.
Photogrammetry technology will create a digital twin model of the lighthouse. Engineers will test ideas about how Pharos was built and how it collapsed over time. This virtual reconstruction lets people explore the lighthouse without physical rebuilding.
The excavation is run by the CNRS in Egypt under the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Researchers also study ancient texts, coins, and images to complete the history. The lighthouse stood about 100 metres tall and helped ships navigate tricky waters. Its stones were reused in the Qaitbay Fortress after the lighthouse stopped working in 1303.
This careful work restores the ancient wonder piece by piece, bringing history back to life beneath the sea.
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Tags:
Lighthouse Of Alexandria
Underwater Archaeology
Pharos Project
Digital Reconstruction
Ancient Wonders
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