Archaeologists have recently unearthed a remarkable bronze seal ring in the submerged ruins of ancient Alexandria, Egypt. The ring features an intricate carving of the famed Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos, marking it as the first known instance of this iconic structure depicted on such an artefact.
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The discovery was announced by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which shared the find on social media. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, stood on the island of Pharos and served as an essential navigational aid for sailors approaching the bustling harbour of Alexandria. The newly found ring not only offers a fascinating glimpse into the past but also raises intriguing questions about the historical significance of the area where it was located.
According to Hisham El-Lithi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the design on the ring closely resembles earlier representations of the lighthouse seen on coins dating back to the second century AD. However, the uniqueness of this seal ring underscores its exceptional value to historians and archaeologists alike.
The ring was discovered on the royal island of Antirhodos, which was once a prominent part of Alexandria’s royal district located near the ancient harbour known as Portus Magnus. Significantly, the palace situated on Antirhodos was documented by the Greek historian Strabo during his travels in Egypt between 29 and 25 BC. The findings suggest that the location continued to be a centre of activity well into the second century AD, perhaps serving administrative roles related to the functionality of the lighthouse.
The discovery of the ring coincided with ongoing excavations in Alexandria’s Eastern Harbour, a collaborative effort between the European Institute of Underwater Archaeology and Egypt’s General Department of Underwater Archaeology. The archaeological team is currently excavating four sites, including the Temple of Isis and another area linked to Mark Antony, alongside continued examination of Antirhodos.
The scope of the underwater excavations has yielded a wealth of artefacts, with archaeologists uncovering pottery, daily life utensils, amphorae, and remnants of glassware that span centuries of Alexandria’s storied history. This comprehensive collection enriches our understanding of the ancient city and the lives led by its inhabitants.
Franck Goddio, the director of the European Institute of Underwater Archaeology and head of the Antirhodos project, highlighted the numerous significant findings that have emerged from this underwater quest. The Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, has also commended the dedicated efforts of the archaeological team, underscoring the importance of these discoveries in enhancing our comprehension of Alexandria’s complex past.
Fathy remarked that such excavations are vital for revealing the history of Alexandria, providing insights into the city’s evolution across various historical periods. The ongoing exploration holds the promise of uncovering even more significant treasures beneath the surface of the Mediterranean.
As the current excavation season nears its conclusion, plans are already underway for further underwater excavations in the area of Abu Qir Bay. The small bronze seal ring, however, stands out as a poignant reminder of the ancient treasures that lie submerged, waiting to tell their stories to the world nearly 2,000 years after they were created.
This discovery not only enhances our appreciation for the splendour of the Lighthouse of Alexandria but also reinforces the importance of archaeological research in preserving and understanding our shared cultural heritage.