Old Lighthouses.

Old Lighthouses. 

   The origin of maritime signals goes back to the first attempts at navigation, the first attempts to explore new routes for trade. As the trade increased, it became necessary to venture to greater distances, thus began to use bonfires in points of easy nighttime location. In order to gain elevation and preserve them from storms, artificial structures were built, which improved as navigation did. Later reflective surfaces will be placed to amplify the light and make it visible at a greater distance. 

     The name of lighthouse could come from the Greek word "light" or "brightness". But there are indications that the Libyans and Kutites had already built towers of fire throughout Lower Egypt. Another explanation of the origin of the term "lighthouse" is the name of the island of "Pharos" in Alexandria, where the most representative lighthouse of all times was built. Another theory points to the Hellenic word "Pharah", Egyptian name of the Sun.The oldest lighthouse from which written evidence is preserved is that of Sigea (650 BC). 

   According to the ancient authors, the lighthouse of Alexandria was far from the coast, however, modern commentators place it at the mouth of the Nile. Its origin is also related to the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great. It was built under the reign of Ptolemy II by the engineer and architect Sóstrato de Cnido, who engraved his name in stone and on it he applied a layer of cement with the name of the king. Over time the layer of cement fell and his name appeared on the stone. 

   The Colossus of Rhodes was a Greek statue that is qualified as another of the seven wonders of the world, but it is not known exactly if it was used as a lighthouse. The legend says that the ships had to pass close to him when they entered the port. It was visible all over the horizon. The author of the sculpture was Cares de Lindos, who committed suicide for exhausting the budget when half of the work was missing to finish. And Lachus finished it. The legend tells of a naked bronze figure. Its right arm raised a cup, where the bonfire was placed, which was accessed through stairs inside. 

      The lighthouses are an ancient invention that even in our days continues to be important for seafarers. Over time, the headlights have been evolving and now there are modern headlights that are automatic. Although, there are very old lighthouses with dozens of years, there are also very modern maritime lighthouses, equipped with the latest technology. The distance from where the light of a lighthouse can be seen depends on several factors as the power of the lamp, the transparency of the air, and by the height of the lighthouse.