Archaeologists have uncovered significant remains of the Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, submerged in the Mediterranean Sea. First underwater findings were made in 1995 by French archaeologist Jean-Yves Empereur off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. This expedition revealed massive stone blocks and architectural elements believed to be part of the legendary lighthouse.
In 2025, a new mission led by archaeologist and architect Isabelle Hairy managed to raise 22 large blocks from the water, weighing between 70 and 80 tons each – including monumental door lintels, thresholds, base plates, and a previously unknown pylon with an Egyptian-style door. These artifacts are being carefully studied using modern scanning and analysis technologies.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria, built in the early 3rd century BC by order of Ptolemy I, was an important maritime landmark and a symbol of Alexandria's power. Standing about 100 meters tall, it served for over 1600 years, despite destructive earthquakes. Modern findings offer a unique opportunity to understand the engineering skills of the ancient builders and the city's maritime history more deeply.