Pharos of Alexandria. The Pharos was the forerunner of all lighthouses. It was built on the island of Pharos near Alexandria, the gateway to Egypt, between 285 and 247 B.C. by Sostratus of Cnidus. It stood about 400 feet high and was built in levels. Near the top was broad balcony. Above that a platform supported a brass pan in which a fire burned day and night. A huge mirror, possibly made of metal, reflected the light so brightly that it could be seen far out at sea. Inside the building were 300 rooms. Horse-drawn wagons carried fuel up a spinal ramp that led to the ever-burning light. The Pharos was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century A.D. Some people believe that on calm days its mighty ruins still can be seen below tha waters of the harbor.