Xiphias

In a small, secluded bay lies a small, unassuming island with small patches of forest.   In between these patches of woodland, there lies the ruins of the lighthouse Xiphias. The first stages of the construction took place sometime in the 8th century after the fall of the Ancient Empire. Scholars have estimated that, based on what remains of the lighthouse's foundations, if the building had been completed, it would have reached more than 100 meters into the sky and would likely have become one of, if not the tallest, man-made structures in the world.   So far, scholars have been unable to determine why the construction was never completed. One of the theories, and the one with the most support, is that due to financial problems, the patron of the project pulled the plug and called the construction off. Another theory suggests that the site was attacked by pirates or other armed bands, and that due to these attacks, the workers refused to continue their work. This theory is supported by evidence of the building having been set on fire at some point in time. Opponents of the theory argue that burn marks on the ruin are just as likely to have occurred several decades, if not centuries, after the construction stopped, possibly from lightning strikes.   Today the island is home to a small fishing community that has used stones fromt the unfinished lighthouse to construct anything from the foundations of their homes to stepping stones over the small stream that runs from a spring in the centre of the island down the middle of the settlement and out into the bay. Likewise construction material intended for the lighthouse but still located on the mainland have over the years by the fishermen been transported over to the island and used in their construction