Which ancient wonder stood in Alexandria and used a tower to guide ships into Egypt’s harbor?

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was the ancient wonder that used a tower to guide ships into Egypt’s harbor.

Also called the Pharos of Alexandria, the lighthouse stood on the island of Pharos beside the Egyptian city’s harbor. Construction is generally dated to the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, in the early 3rd century BC, after Alexandria had become a major center of commerce and scholarship under the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Ancient descriptions portray a tall, multi-level structure topped by a fire or reflective signal. Its exact height is uncertain, but it was probably among the tallest human-made structures of the ancient world. The tower’s light and position helped sailors navigate the harbor, especially at night or in poor visibility.

Earthquakes damaged the lighthouse repeatedly between the 10th and 14th centuries, and its remains eventually disappeared. Some of its stone blocks may have been reused in the medieval Fort Qaitbay, built on or near the site. The lighthouse gave the island of Pharos its name, which influenced words for “lighthouse” in several languages.