Which ancient wonder stood in Alexandria and guided ships into Egypt’s harbour?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was the ancient wonder that guided ships into Egypt’s harbour. Also called the Pharos of Alexandria, it stood on the island of Pharos beside the city’s port.

Construction began during the reign of Ptolemy I Soter and was completed under his son, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, probably in the early third century BCE. Ancient descriptions portray a tall, multi-level tower topped by a fire or reflective signal that helped mariners approach Alexandria safely.

Earthquakes damaged the lighthouse repeatedly between the tenth and fourteenth centuries, and it eventually collapsed. Stones from the ruined structure were later reused in the Qaitbay Citadel, built on or near the site in the fifteenth century. The name “pharos” remains a root for words meaning lighthouse in several languages.