Lost miracle discovered underwater? 80-ton stone reveals secrets of Alexandria Lighthouse | World News

The discovery of massive 80-ton stone blocks on the seafloor, believed to be part of one of the wonders of the ancient world, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, has sparked interest in ancient engineering, maritime archeology and the study of the history of the Mediterranean region. Located on the floor of Alexandria’s eastern harbor, these massive architectural fragments, including lintels, gates and paving stones, provide valuable information about the construction, collapse and construction methods of this giant lighthouse. Through research programs such as PHAROS, scientists are studying the lighthouse through photogrammetry, computer reconstructions and stone analysis.

Scientists discovered 22 blocks related to lighthouse of alexandria

The existence of the sunken remains of the Lighthouse of Alexandria has been known for decades, but more recent discoveries have become possible. Dassault Systèmes The team successfully found 22 huge stone blocks, each weighing approximately 70 to 80 tons. Details such as lintels, threshold stones and boulders indicate that they formed the entrance to the lighthouse. The current investigation is in Pharos Project Organized by scientists from the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).As Isabelle Hairy, the mission’s lead archaeologist, said, the lighthouse fragments should be analyzed as part of the puzzle to allow for a digital reconstruction of the monument. The current discovery is therefore considered a breakthrough in underwater archeology as it helps to uncover the secrets of ancient architecture.

Lighthouse of Alexandria: One of the Seven Wonders

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, referred to as the Lighthouse, was built in the 3rd century BC during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Standing more than 100 meters high, it acts as a navigational aid, facilitating safe docking of ships in the busy Egyptian port. For many years, the lighthouse was considered one of the tallest structures built by man and an example of the superiority of Hellenistic architecture. It is believed to have three levels, consisting of square, octagonal and cylindrical shapes.Nonetheless, several earthquakes from the 10th to 14th centuries led to its demolition, causing large parts of the building to fall into the water. The discovery of these massive rocks therefore correlates with written records of the lighthouse’s deterioration.

Engineering marvels: How ancient builders moved 80 tons of rocks

An interesting aspect of this discovery is the weight and precision of the carved stone. Even in modern times, transporting stones weighing around 80 tons is a daunting task, raising many questions about the engineering capabilities of ancient civilizations.According to experts, ancient people could transport and place these heavy stones using levers, ramps and human power. It also takes into account Greek and Egyptian architectural elements, which suggests a fusion between cultures.The level of precision with which the stone was displayed, and its incorporation into large structures, shows how sophisticated the engineering skills of ancient civilizations were.

Digital reconstruction and the way forward

Rather than building an exact replica of the lighthouse in reality, the new method requires creating a digital replica of the lighthouse. Using modern technology, each stone will be scanned and used in the digital reconstruction of the lighthouse.In addition to helping determine whether certain theories about the lighthouse’s construction or collapse hold true, it also provides historians and those interested in history an opportunity to appreciate this engineering marvel in all its glory.To sum up, while the eighty tons of rock found confirm the existence of the structure, there is one more extremely important factor: it reminds us that even beneath the surface of the sea there are traces of our imagination and innovation.