Archaeologists working in Alexandria’s submerged royal harbor have uncovered a bronze seal ring that may carry an image of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, offering a rare new clue to the city’s lost waterfront. The ring was discovered near Antirhodos, an island that once formed part of Alexandria’s royal quarter during the Ptolemaic period. Much of the area now lies beneath the waters of the Eastern Port.
Egyptian officials said the engraved design resembles images of the lighthouse seen on some Roman-era coins dating to the second century A.D.
Rare ring may depict the Lighthouse of Alexandria
Hisham El-Lithi, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the find as exceptional. He said researchers had not previously identified such an image on a seal ring. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and became one of the most recognizable symbols of the ancient Mediterranean city.
Researchers found the ring near Antirhodos, which formed part of Alexandria’s royal district and ancient Great Harbor. Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great and later became the capital of the Ptolemaic dynasty, the Macedonian Greek rulers of Egypt. Antirhodos formed part of that royal quarter, while the Lighthouse of Alexandria became one of the most famous monuments of the Hellenistic world.
Cleopatra’s royal harbor may have remained active under Rome
Antirhodos formed part of Alexandria’s royal district, an area closely associated with the Ptolemaic court and the age of Cleopatra VII. The ancient Greek geographer Strabo described the palace there during his visit to Egypt between 29 and 25 B.C. Egyptian officials said the ring may indicate that parts of the complex remained in administrative use into the second century A.D., long after Egypt had become part of the Roman Empire.
Some of those activities may have been connected to the administration of Alexandria’s lighthouse, officials said. If confirmed, the interpretation could provide new evidence about how the former royal district continued to function under Roman rule.
Underwater mission uncovers centuries of artifacts
Franck Goddio, director of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology and head of the Antirhodos mission, said the current excavation season is focused on several sites in the Eastern Port. They include the Temple of Isis, the palace area on Antirhodos, remains associated with a sarcophagus, and the Timonium, a complex linked to Mark Antony. Goddio has spent decades investigating Alexandria’s submerged archaeological landscape.
Archaeologists also recovered pottery dating from the fourth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. The finds include tableware, amphorae, everyday vessels and fragments of ancient glassware. Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathi inspected the excavation and praised the specialists documenting the underwater remains. After completing work in the Eastern Port, the mission plans to continue excavations in Abu Qir Bay, home to major submerged sites including Thonis-Heracleion.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
