9 months ago
Rare Roman-era pleasure ship found in Alexandria's port
Archaeologists found a really old boat in Egypt that is about 2,000 years old.
This boat is called a pleasure barge and was used by rich people or for special ceremonies.
It was found in the water near Alexandria, which was a big city a long time ago.
The boat is very well preserved, meaning it didn't break down much over time.
It was probably used for fancy trips or religious events.
The people who found it think it might have been connected to a temple and could have sunk around 50 A.D.
A 2,000-year-old Roman-era pleasure barge was discovered in Alexandria's port.
The ship is about 115 feet long and 23 feet wide, with 90 feet of preserved timbers.
It was likely used by wealthy individuals or for ceremonial processions in Roman Egypt.
The barge may have been connected to the temple of Isis and could have sunk around 50 A.D.
Alexandria's port was a significant hub during the Ptolemaic empire.
- Who
- European Institute of Underwater Archaeology (IEASM)
- What
- Discovery of a 2,000-year-old Roman-era pleasure ship
- Where
- Port of the Royal Island of Antirhodos, Portus Magnus, Alexandria, Egypt
- When
- Recently, with the ship dating back to the first-century A.D.
- Why
- To explore and uncover historical artifacts from the ancient port
Key facts
- Discovery Location
- Port of the Royal Island of Antirhodos, Portus Magnus, Alexandria, Egypt
- Discoverer
- European Institute of Underwater Archaeology (IEASM)
- Ship Type
- Thalamagos (pleasure barge)
- Estimated Age
- 2,000 years (first-century A.D.)
- Ship Dimensions
- 115 feet long, 23 feet wide
- Possible Sinking Date
- Around 50 A.D.
- Possible Connection
- Temple of Isis on Antirhodos Island
Quotes
Franck Goddio
Director of the European Institute of Underwater Archaeology (IEASM)
“It might have been linked to the temple of Isis on Antirhodos Island and could have sunk around 50 A.D. during the destruction of the temple. If connected to the navigational side, the barge may have served as a symbolic 'solar barque' carrying Isis during annual religious processions.”
wionews.com
Sources
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