Lighthouse of Alexandria Worksheet & Fun Facts for Kids
The Lighthouse of Alexandria worksheet offers a hands-on way for kids to explore one of the ancient world’s most remarkable structures.
Built on the island of Pharos in Egypt, this towering lighthouse once guided ships safely into Alexandria’s harbor.
This free geography worksheet blends history, engineering, and cultural significance to help kids understand why the Lighthouse of Alexandria was considered a true wonder of its time.
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Interesting Lighthouse of Alexandria facts for kids
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- It was built on the island of Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt, around 280 BC by the ancient Egyptians.
- The lighthouse stood at an impressive height of about 400 feet (120 meters). Making it one of the tallest man-made structures of its time.
- The lighthouse was built to guide sailors and help them navigate safely into the harbor of Alexandria. It used a giant mirror to reflect sunlight during the day and a fire at night to create a bright beacon of light.
- It is said that the mirror in the lighthouse was so powerful that it could reflect sunlight during the day and be seen from a distance of up to 35 miles.
- The lighthouse was adorned with beautiful statues and carvings. At the very top, there was a statue of the Greek god Zeus. Holding a statue of Nike, the goddess of victory.
- The lighthouse was damaged by a series of earthquakes over the centuries, and it eventually collapsed in the 14th century AD. Some of its ruins can still be seen underwater near the harbor of Alexandria.
- The Lighthouse of Alexandria inspired the design of many other lighthouses around the world.
- The lighthouse remains a symbol of the ancient world’s architectural and engineering marvels. Showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
Keep exploring with these free continent of Africa worksheets, perfect for expanding your geography studies alongside ancient Egypt.
Lighthouse of Alexandria research
This one-page worksheet includes a simple research activity alongside a coloring section featuring the ancient wonder itself.
It’s designed to help kids learn the key facts about where it was built, why it mattered, and how it guided sailors safely to shore.
These are the questions the kids will need to answer on the Lighthouse of Alexandria worksheet:
Where was it located?
The Lighthouse was located on the island of Pharos. Just off the coast of the city of Alexandria in Egypt.
When was it built?
The Lighthouse was built around 280 BC, during the reign of Ptolemy II, a ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom.
What materials were used in making it?
The Lighthouse was primarily made of limestone blocks. The interior was constructed with a core of rubble and mortar. While the outer surface was covered with white marble for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Who built it?
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built under the supervision of a Greek architect named Sostratus of Cnidus. However, the overall design and concept were likely influenced by the Egyptian engineers and architects of the time.
Why was it built?
The Lighthouse was built to serve as a navigational aid for ships entering the harbor of Alexandria.
It helped guide sailors and warned them of the dangerous coastline and reefs in the area. The lighthouse’s beacon of light, created by a fire at night and sunlight reflecting off a mirror during the day. Providing a clear marker for sailors to follow and ensured safe entry into the harbor.
What happened to the Lighthouse of Alexandria?
The fate of the Lighthouse of Alexandria is a subject of debate among historians. As there is no definitive account of its destruction. However, based on historical records and archaeological evidence, it is widely believed that the lighthouse suffered damage from a series of earthquakes over the centuries, leading to its eventual collapse.
The most significant earthquake that affected the lighthouse occurred in the 14th century AD. It is believed that this earthquake caused substantial damage to the structure, leading to its eventual destruction. Over time, the remains of the lighthouse were gradually eroded and submerged by the sea.
Today, some of the remnants of the Lighthouse of Alexandria can be found underwater near the location where it once stood. Archaeological expeditions have discovered fragments of the lighthouse’s construction materials. Including pieces of stone and marble, which provide valuable insights into its design and construction.
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Last Updated on 30 April 2025 by Clare Brown