Archaeologists discover the first known bronze ring-signet depicting Egypt’s ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria beneath the sea

Archaeologists have uncovered a bronze ring-signet depicting the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria during underwater excavations at the submerged Royal Island of Antirhodos in Egypt. The discovery was made at the site of a palace that once formed part of the Royal Quarters of Alexandria’s Portus Magnus, the city’s eastern harbour.According to a newsletter from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), published on Franck Goddio’s website, the ring-signet is the first known example of its kind to depict the ancient lighthouse. Its relief shows the monument with iconography similar to that found on some coins dating to the 2nd century AD. The discovery was made during ongoing underwater excavations by the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM).What did Egypt’s minister witness during the underwater excavationSherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, visited the archaeological team aboard its research vessel alongside his assistant, Dr Ahmed Rehema. The visit allowed them to witness the underwater archaeological process during this year’s field mission and see the newly discovered bronze ring-signet in person.The excavation work is taking place at the submerged Royal Island of Antirhodos, where archaeologists continue to investigate the remains of the ancient palace.Why the bronze ring-signet matters beyond its depiction of the lighthouseFranck Goddio said, “The discovery of the ring-signet is even more important as it has been excavated in the legendary palace of the Island of Antirhodos, that once was a centre of power”.Goddio’s team interprets the find as evidence that the palace, seen by Strabo during his visit to Egypt between 29 and 25 BC, had at some point housed offices for administrative functions, including administration of the lighthouse.Underwater excavations reveal architectural remains across the Royal Island of AntirhodosOngoing underwater excavations on the Royal Island of Antirhodos are uncovering architectural remains across an area extending to several thousand square metres. The island once formed part of Alexandria’s Royal Quarters within Portus Magnus, the city’s eastern harbour.Among the finds is a bronze ring-signet depicting the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Its relief features iconography similar to that found on some coins dating to the 2nd century AD. The object was excavated at the site of the island’s palace, which, according to Franck Goddio, once served as a centre of power.What makes the underwater discovery at Alexandria’s ancient royal palace unusualThe bronze ring-signet was discovered at the site of the palace on the submerged Royal Island of Antirhodos, which once formed part of the Royal Quarters of Alexandria’s Portus Magnus. The ring-signet features a raised image of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, with designs resembling those seen on some coins from the 2nd century AD.The discovery represents the first known bronze ring-signet depicting the famous lighthouse. The find was made during ongoing underwater excavations conducted by the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM).You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.