The concept of the lighthouse isn't entirely modern; early navigators sought reliable signals to guide their course. Initially, this involved a fire blazing on a promontory or a grassy mound near dangerous shorelines. However, the difficulty of maintaining these fires, especially during storms, led to the construction of structures for shelter. These coast defenses were so vital that the ancients attributed their creation to demigods like Hercules. Before Greece became a maritime power, the Lybians and Cuthites may have constructed light-towers along the coast of Lower Egypt; these towers acted as landmarks during the day and beacons at night. Each tower was dedicated to a divinity and also served as temples. The priests taught hydrography and pilotage, guiding vessels by the constellations. A fire atop each tower was housed in a machine of iron or bronze, often shaped with dolphins and directed seaward.

Among the most celebrated lighthouses of antiquity was the pharos of Alexandria, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Though sources disagree about its founder, its architect was Sostrates. Montfaucon believes Ptolemæus suggested its erection, but Sostrates sought to immortalize himself by carving his name deep in the tower wall and covering it with cement inscribed with Ptolemæus' name. He knew the cement would erode, thus revealing his own inscription. The etymology of the word "Pharos" is also debated, with some suggesting a derivation from the islet it stood on, and others, from Greek words signifying "light" and "to see". The most reasonable explanation is that the word is a Hellenic form of Phrah, the Egyptian name for the sun. The long, narrow island of Pharos sheltered Alexandria's harbors from the north wind and tides, and the lighthouse stood on a peninsular rock at the island's eastern end. Though accounts vary, it remains clear the ancients greatly admired this structure. It is unknown if the light was from a simple fire or an advanced system. The pharos likely fell into decay during the 13th and 14th centuries, its ruin hastened by Turkish conquerors. Edrisi described it in the 12th century as unparalleled in construction, built of excellent stone, joined by molten lead, with a staircase to the summit and a fire that burned day and night visible from a great distance.

Boulogne, the ancient Bononia or Gesoriacum, was a key naval location for the Morini. The Emperor Caligula erected a lofty tower there, which became known as the Tour d'Ordre. While its initial purpose was a monument to imperial vanity, it was later converted into a lighthouse. A bronze medal of Commodus suggests light was already emitted from its summit in A.D. 191. Repaired by Charles in 811, it continued to serve as a lighthouse until the 17th century. Serving also as a fortress, it suffered damage during sieges but was ultimately ruined by neglect and geological factors between 1640 and 1645. Ultimately, the municipality of Boulogne was condemned to pay a tribute of 2000 herrings to the Seigneur de Bainethun or restore the ground to its ancient condition. Of the once glorious monument, few if any remains exist today. It was octagonal, about 192 feet in circumference and 64 feet in diameter, each of its twelve stories narrowing to create a pyramidal shape. In place of the Tour d'Ordre today, the French Commission des Phares established a red light in 1835.

England takes the lead in understanding the importance of lighthouses, making their construction and maintenance a national concern. The direction of lighthouses is entrusted to three boards: the Trinity House of Deptford Strand for English lighthouses, the Commissioners of Northern Lights for Scottish lighthouses, and the Corporation for Preserving and Improving the Port of Dublin for Irish lighthouses. The Trinity House, founded in 1512 by Henry VIII, initially focused on praying for drowned seamen but later gained control of the mercantile marine. Private lights charged excessive tolls, leading to discontent, and by the reign of James I, the crown also began licensing lighthouses. These private lights were often deficient, but still collected tolls. In the reign of William IV, Parliament intervened to establish uniformity and reduce dues, transferring Crown interests to the Trinity House. The Trinity House includes Elder and Younger Brothers, with active Elder Brethren administering its work through committees. Similar commissions manage the lights in Scotland and Ireland, though the entire United Kingdom ideally requires more effective legislative action.

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