Ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria Relics Retrieved from Mediterranean Waters

Quick Summary:

• Finding: Workers in Alexandria,Egypt,have recovered 22 massive stone blocks from the ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
• Details: The recovered stones include parts of a ceremonial Egyptian-style “pylon” and pieces of a huge doorway weighing 70-80 tons.
• Ancient Context: The lighthouse, built circa 280 BC under ptolemy II Philadelphus, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and collapsed during earthquakes in the 14th century.It featured advanced technology for its time, including reflective surfaces to project light visible up to 30 miles away.
• Research Project: Led by French archaeologist Isabelle Hairy with support from Dassault Systems Foundation.Researchers aim to create a virtual reconstruction (“digital twin”) using scans and historical records.
• Objective: This virtual model will allow visitors to explore a detailed recreation without physically rebuilding structure ruins.

!Recovered stone blocks from underwater
Image credit: GEDEON Programmes/CEAlex

!1909 drawing-based depiction
A historical drawing based on descriptions; Image credit: Public domain

!Stone block being raised by crane
Image credit: GEDEON Programmes/CEAlex

Indian Opinion Analysis:

the recovery project highlights an impressive use of modern technology for preserving global heritage sites-combining archaeology with digital modeling techniques.India’s rich history parallels this endeavor as it possesses cultural treasures like Mohenjo-daro or Konark’s Sun Temple that face erosion threats over time. Digital preservation could offer India opportunities to document these sites comprehensively, aiding their protection while enabling worldwide virtual access.

Furthermore, efforts like these foster international collaboration among historians and engineers-a model that India might seek partnerships within its archaeological projects given its vast historic resources needing excavation or conservation. As nations work collectively over heritage preservation endeavors akin to Alexandria’s lighthouse digitization-it may help reinterpret human civilization’s past globally via unified perspectives.

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