Underwater archaeologists excavating the Eastern Harbour of Alexandria have discovered a bronze seal ring depicting the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
The discovery was made by a joint archaeological mission from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA).
Excavations are being conducted across the submerged remains of ancient Alexandria’s royal quarter, parts of which now lie beneath the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
According to Dr Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the bronze ring was discovered on the submerged island of Antirhodos, which formed part of the ancient Portus Magnus.
The ring bears an engraved representation of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, which resembles depictions found on Alexandrian coinage from the 2nd century AD.
The Lighthouse of Alexandria was constructed during the Ptolemaic period on the island of Pharos and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
According to the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the discovery is exceptional as it represents the first known example of an engraved depiction of the lighthouse on a seal ring.
Antirhodos was located within Alexandria’s royal quarter and contained a palace described by the Greek geographer Strabo, who visited Egypt between 29 and 25 BC.
Researchers suggest that the discovery could indicate that the palace complex continued to serve an administrative function until at least the 2nd century AD, possibly including activities connected with the administration of the lighthouse.
Franck Goddio, president of IEASM and director of the Antirhodos mission, said that the current excavation season is focused on four sites within the Eastern Harbour.
These include the Temple of Isis, the palace and western platform on Antirhodos, the remains of a monumental sarcophagus, and the Timonium, a palace complex associated with Mark Antony.
Archaeologists have also recovered an assemblage of pottery spanning approximately eight centuries, from the 4th century BC to the 4th century AD.
The finds include everyday utensils, tableware, amphorae and other ceramic vessels, in addition to fragments of ancient glassware.
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi, recently inspected the excavations and highlighted the importance of documenting archaeological remains submerged beneath the Mediterranean.
According to the ministry, the ongoing investigations are providing new evidence for the development of Alexandria and its role throughout the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Following the completion of the current excavation season in the Eastern Harbour, the archaeological mission is expected to continue underwater investigations in Abu Qir Bay.
Sources : Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities
