A team of historians, architects, and programmers is digitally reconstructing the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Pharos Project, led by archaeologist Isabelle Hairy, is scanning thousands of submerged granite blocks and artifacts from the seabed to create a comprehensive 3D model of the structure, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1303.
This digital reconstruction matters because it preserves a lost architectural marvel for study and public engagement. The project reveals the lighthouse's hybrid Greek-Egyptian design and faces significant challenges due to poor underwater visibility, making it a multi-generational archaeological endeavor that combines historical research with cutting-edge digital technology.