The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built in the 3rd century BC on Pharos Island in Egypt. It was commissioned by Ptolemy II and constructed by Sostratos of Knidos to a height of 134 meters, making it one of the tallest man-made structures of the ancient world. The lighthouse used mirrors and fires to reflect sunlight during the day and light fires at night to illuminate the sea for passing ships up to 50 kilometers away. While it survived earthquakes in 1303 and 1323, the lighthouse was eventually destroyed. A replica was later built in China.