Saturday, October 26, 2013

Carpe Diem #333, The Lighthouse of Alexandria


Dear Haijin, visitors and travelers,

Today we end our journey along the Seven Ancient World Wonders at Ancient Alexandria where one stood a wonderful lighthouse.

The lighthouse was localized, between 1994 and 1996, in the port of Alexandria by the French archaeologist Jean-Yves Empereur. This is one of the most known ancient monuments and also most often represented because it was one of the first lighthouses. Indeed, we even found souvenir objects with reproductions of the image of the lighthouse in Afghanistan.
The Lighthouse is located in Egypt on the island of Pharaohs in front of the city of Alexandria. During the centuries, this island was connected with the continent by the alluviums of the Nile, on which we built a road and a bridge. The lighthouse, built on the island, was begun under Ptolemy II Philadelphus and ended around 280 BC by Sostratus of Cnidus.

Lighthouse of Alexandria, our last stop on our journey along the Seven Ancient World Woders

The lighthouse counted three floors: the first one was squared, the second was octagonal and the third cylindrical. The white marble whole measured approximately 135 m (440 feet) height from where we could see ships located 100 miles far away. Angles were decorated with bronze tritons which was used either to warn of the approach of the enemy by terrifying sounds, but also to carry mirrors which, during the night, reflected the light of a fire. In the daytime, the smoke indicated to the boats the entrance of the port.
Its important height and its exemplary robustness made the lighthouse of Alexandria unique. Indeed it was exposed to a strong wind coming from the sea, that is why it should be inevitably resistant enough. This edifice is the symbol of the technical exploit shown by the Egyptians. Furthermore it was one of the first lighthouses.

stormy nights
entering the harbor save
led by the Lighthouse

led by the Lighthouse
finally fishermen can enter save -
stormy nights

Thsi was our journey along the Seven Ancient World Wonders ... back to our regular prompts. Our next prompt will be our last Special of this anniversary month, ... This prompt will stay on 'til October 28th 11.59 AM (CET). Now open for your submissions. By the way I have chosen to do this last episode of the World Wonders instead of the last Garry Gay Special, which I now will do next day.



5 comments:

  1. Always fascinating and informative posts ~ lovely cascading haiku ~ we are wondering 'when do you sleep' ~ so creative ~ thanks, carol

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    1. I am not that big sleeper, but I sleep after having posted and so I have it always updated our weblog Carpe Diem Haiku Kai. No worries Carol ... :-)

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  2. Now I'm heading out commenting my backlog.. I'm curious now....

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    1. What a wonderful 'manifesto' you've brought with your haiku/haibun on this prompt. Chapeau!

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  3. thank you for a challenging series ♥ love you haiku set on the lighthouse.

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