A lighthouse is a tall tower-shaped building. Light equipment is installed at the top of the tower. It is located and has a specific architectural shape, which makes it easy for ships to distinguish. It is one of the highest points in the harbor.
In about 270 BC, Ptolemy II commissioned the Greek architect, Sostratus of Nidos, to build the world's first lighthouse at the eastern end of the island of Pharos. The Faros Lighthouse thus became one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
The ancient Romans built a series of lighthouses, thus creating the earliest system of lighthouse networks. The earliest lighthouse in this system was built in 50 A.D. The construction of a lighthouse in the Roman port city of Ostia.
The lighthouse was built on an old wooden ship 320 feet long and 65 feet wide, and the ship was built with stones and binders to form an artificial island, on which the lighthouse was built on four levels. Ostia lighthouse survived until the 15th century AD.
Later, the Arabs, Indians, and Chinese also learned this method to ensure the safety of ships at sea and built lighthouses on their respective coasts.
Lighthouses have several functions.
1. Navigational lighting.
A lighthouse is a fixed navigational beacon that guides ships or indicates danger zones (often used to mark dangerous shores, treacherous sandbars or reefs, and channels leading to harbor mouths).
2. Geographical coordinates.
Along with the rapid development of science and technology, the establishment of a radar system makes the navigation role of the lighthouse increasingly weakened. But it has potential historical and cultural value and has become the human geographic coordinates sought after by various countries.
3. To declare sovereignty.
In disputed waters, lighthouses, posts, and boundary markers are often used as a symbol of sovereignty.
Situated at the entrances to beautiful bays and natural harbors, lighthouses have prevented ships from running aground for centuries. Sadly, however, many of them have become redundant and have been replaced by more effective airborne navigation systems.
Most of the remaining lighthouses are automated, with more powerful lights and lenses than those used in the past Since they were designed to be visible, lighthouses often became very distinctive landmarks.
Since 1791, the Portland City Beacon Light has been guiding sailors back to safety. This historic lighthouse sits on top of a rugged cliff in Cape Elizabeth, just south of the busy Portland Harbor.
At nearly 25 meters tall, its white conical tower stands out against the desolate and rugged coastline. Although it is now automated, visitors can stop by the adjacent Maritime Museum and learn about its fascinating past.
Since the second century A.D., the Hercules Lighthouse has kept a tyrannical watch over Spain's North Atlantic coastline. This makes it the oldest lighthouse still in use today. First built by the Romans, the 57-meter-tall, sturdy square tower was restored and renovated in 1791. In addition to the amazing history and architecture.
The scenic location of the Ecclesiastical Lighthouse on the Galician Peninsula undoubtedly makes it one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.
The Galle Lighthouse in Sri Lanka is located within the ancient walls of Galle Fort. It has protected the surrounding waters since it was first built in 1848. It is the oldest lighthouse in the whole of Sri Lanka. It is on the southern coast of the country, surrounded by palm trees, and is one of the most picturesque and photogenic landmarks in Galle.
