Archaeologists working off the coast of Alexandria in Egypt have identified large submerged stone blocks believed to be part of the long-lost Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the famed Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The remains were located on the seabed of the Mediterranean Sea within the eastern harbour of Alexandria, an area where underwater archaeological surveys have been carried out for decades. The discovery forms part of ongoing efforts to document the submerged remains of the ancient port city.

Researchers recently identified 22 monumental limestone and granite blocks, some weighing several tonnes, scattered across the harbour floor. Archaeologists believe these architectural pieces once formed part of the entrance and internal structure of the ancient lighthouse.

International project investigating the site

The work is being conducted under the PHAROS project, an international research initiative led by the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and supported by the Dassault Systèmes Foundation.

Specialists involved in the programme are documenting the fragments using underwater mapping, photogrammetry and high-resolution scanning techniques. These technologies allow researchers to record the stones in detail without removing them from the seabed.

The blocks include architectural components such as lintels, door jambs and structural slabs. Their scale and construction style indicate they belonged to the lighthouse rather than other buildings that once stood in the harbour area.

One of the tallest structures of the ancient world

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was constructed in the third century BC during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

Built on the island of Pharos at the entrance to Alexandria’s harbour, the tower is believed to have stood more than 100 metres tall. This made it one of the highest man-made structures of the ancient world and a defining landmark of the city.

Ancient accounts describe the lighthouse as a multi-tiered tower topped by a beacon fire that guided ships into the busy port. Alexandria was a major commercial hub in antiquity, linking trade routes across the Mediterranean and beyond.

Earthquakes led to its eventual destruction

Despite its impressive scale and durability, the lighthouse did not survive into the modern era. The structure suffered significant damage during a series of earthquakes that struck the region over several centuries.

Historical records indicate that repeated seismic events between the 10th and 14th centuries gradually weakened the monument. By the 14th century the remaining sections collapsed, causing many stones to fall into the sea around the harbour.

Some of the surviving blocks were later reused in the construction of the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century coastal fortress built on the original site of the lighthouse by the Mamluk ruler Sultan Qaitbay.

Underwater discoveries in Alexandria’s harbour

Modern archaeological exploration of Alexandria’s submerged ruins began in the 1990s when divers documented large quantities of stone blocks, statues and architectural fragments across the harbour floor.

Since then, researchers have catalogued more than 3,000 artefacts from different historical periods of the city. Many remain in situ, allowing archaeologists to study the layout of the ancient port environment.

The recently identified fragments are particularly important because they appear to belong directly to the lighthouse’s internal structure. Their size and distinctive design features help researchers confirm their origin.

Digital reconstruction of the monument

As part of the PHAROS project, experts are creating detailed three-dimensional scans of each fragment. These digital records will be used to build a virtual reconstruction of the lighthouse.

The goal is to produce one of the most accurate visual representations of the monument ever created. By combining architectural analysis with digital modelling, historians hope to better understand how the lighthouse was engineered and how it functioned as a navigational beacon. Although the structure itself will not be rebuilt, the digital model could provide valuable insights into ancient engineering techniques and the design of maritime infrastructure in the classical world.

For archaeologists and historians, the discovery represents another step towards uncovering the story of a structure that once stood among the most celebrated achievements of ancient architecture.

Pop star Britney Spears was arrested in Southern California on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), according to law-enforcement records. The singer was taken into custody in Ventura County on the evening of 4 March 2026 following a traffic stop and later released on a citation, with a court appearance scheduled for May.

Authorities confirmed that Spears, 44, was detained by officers from the California Highway Patrol after a roadside stop in Ventura County. The arrest took place at approximately 9:30pm local time, according to booking records from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Following the stop, Spears was transported for booking procedures before being released early the next morning under California’s “cite and release” system. Under this process, suspects accused of certain misdemeanours are not held in custody for long periods but are instead released with instructions to appear in court at a later date.

Court records indicate that Spears is expected to appear before the Ventura County Superior Court on 4 May 2026 in connection with the allegation.

Details of the traffic stop

Officials have not publicly disclosed the exact reason why the vehicle was stopped or what observations led officers to suspect impairment. As is standard in DUI investigations in California, individuals may be required to undergo roadside sobriety tests or chemical testing to determine blood alcohol levels.

Reports indicate that Spears was taken to a local hospital after the stop for procedures related to the investigation. However, authorities have not released details regarding any test results or further evidence connected to the case.

Under California law, driving under the influence can be charged if a driver is found to be impaired by alcohol or drugs, or if their blood alcohol concentration exceeds the legal limit of 0.08 per cent.

First DUI arrest despite earlier driving incidents

While Spears has faced legal issues involving driving in the past, this incident appears to be the first time she has been arrested on suspicion of DUI.

In 2007, during a period of intense media scrutiny in her personal life, Spears was charged with misdemeanour offences including hit-and-run and driving without a valid California licence. Those charges were later resolved and did not involve allegations of driving under the influence.

The current arrest therefore represents the first known case in which authorities have accused the singer of driving while impaired.

Response from representatives

A representative for Spears addressed the incident in a brief statement to media outlets following the arrest. The representative described the situation as “completely inexcusable” and said the singer intends to cooperate with legal authorities as the case moves forward.

The statement added that members of Spears’ family and support network are working to ensure she receives assistance during what they described as a difficult period.

Spears shares two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, with her former husband Kevin Federline. According to reports, family members are expected to spend time with her as she deals with the legal proceedings linked to the arrest.

Social media activity after the arrest

Shortly after news of the arrest emerged, observers noted that Spears’ Instagram account appeared to have been deleted or temporarily deactivated.

The timing of the change led to speculation among fans online, although neither Spears nor her representatives publicly confirmed whether the account was intentionally removed or taken offline for other reasons.

Spears has frequently used social media platforms in recent years to communicate directly with fans, often sharing personal reflections, dance videos and commentary on her life following the end of her conservatorship.

Context in Spears’ recent life

The arrest comes several years after Spears regained control over her personal and financial affairs when a court terminated her long-running conservatorship in 2021. The arrangement, which lasted more than a decade, had placed significant aspects of her life under the supervision of court-appointed guardians.

In the years since that decision, Spears has remained a highly visible public figure while also making a number of major personal and business moves. Among them was the reported sale of her music catalogue to the publishing company Primary Wave in late 2025.

More recently, Spears also obtained a permanent restraining order against a man who had allegedly appeared near her home after making troubling posts on social media.

Legal process ahead

Under California law, a DUI charge can carry penalties including fines, licence suspension and mandatory education programmes, depending on the circumstances of the case and whether the defendant has previous convictions.

Because Spears was released under a citation rather than being held in custody, the case will proceed through the normal court process beginning with her scheduled appearance in Ventura County in May.

Until then, the matter remains an open legal case and authorities have not released further details about the investigation.

In a landmark development for one of Spain’s most sought-after coastal destinations, the City of Marbella is on the verge of adopting its long-awaited new Plan General de Ordenación Municipal (PGOM), the city’s updated general urban development plan. Following a favourable report from the Junta, the local council is expected to grant final approval in the coming weeks during a plenary session.

The PGOM replaces the outdated PGOU from 1986, which has governed urban planning for nearly four decades. This modern framework is in line with Andalucia’s regional laws, making the city the first in Andalucia to complete the adaptation. The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for land classification, sustainable growth, infrastructure, green spaces, and connected development. It will allow for urgent new building of homes and bring more employment to the Costa del Sol.

Decision cancels old judgment against Marbella

Such a long delay originates in a turbulent history of urban planning challenges. After irregularities during the 1990s under previous administrations, a 2010 revision was annulled by Spain’s Supreme Court in 2015, forcing a reversion to the 1986 rules. This created prolonged regulatory limbo, stalling thousands of projects, complicating property classifications, and generating legal uncertainty for owners and developers with evolving environmental standards, population growth, and infrastructure demands.

Mayor Ángeles Muñoz has called the progress “magnificent news” for the entire city, saying it was achieved in “record time” through strong collaboration between local and regional authorities. The new PGOM promises greater legal certainty for property owners, reduced bureaucracy, faster permit processing, and a balanced, inclusive approach to future challenges.

Good news for expat developers

For Marbella’s expat community, comprising around one-third of residents, this is particularly welcome. International buyers and investors gain improved confidence from clearer rules, minimising risks in the real estate market. It unlocks stalled development potential, supports controlled expansion of amenities, and preserves the high quality of life that draws retirees, families, and higher-net-worth individuals.

As one local real estate expert put it: “Clarity equals confidence, and confidence drives growth.” With this step, Marbella enters a new era of stability and sustainable prosperity on the Costa del Sol. As well, Marbella can finally leave its dark political history behind and move forward.