World · Africa · 2 days ago
Bronze ring showing Alexandria’s lighthouse found underwater in Egypt
Archaeologists found a bronze signet ring engraved with the Lighthouse of Alexandria in underwater ruins off Alexandria, Egypt.
The ring was uncovered in a palace on the submerged island of Antirhodos by a joint team from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology and Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
It is the first known signet ring to show the lighthouse.
Alexandria was once a major ancient city, and its Pharos lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Earthquakes, flooding and rising sea levels led to important parts of the city being submerged.
Researchers say the ring may have been used in palace offices that oversaw the lighthouse, and its design resembles images on some coins from the second century A.D. The excavation also found architectural remains and carved stone fragments, while underwater exploration continues at other sites in the harbor.
A bronze signet ring depicting the Lighthouse of Alexandria was found underwater in the remains of a palace on Egypt’s submerged island of Antirhodos.
The discovery was made by a team from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology and Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Researchers said it is the first known signet ring featuring the lighthouse.
The ring may have been used in administrative work at palace offices that also oversaw the lighthouse.
The excavation also revealed architectural remains, including diorite fragments with hieroglyphic carvings.
- Who
- A joint team from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology and Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities found the ring.
- What
- A bronze signet ring engraved with the Lighthouse of Alexandria was discovered. Researchers said it is the first ring of its kind found.
- When
- Not stated
- Where
- In the remains of a palace on the submerged island of Antirhodos, off Alexandria, Egypt.
- Why
- The ring may have been used in administrative processes at palace offices that also oversaw the lighthouse.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
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 [center] of power.
Modern archaeologists located the submerged ruins of Alexandria’s royal quarters.
Egypt’s tourism and antiquities minister and his assistant visited the research vessel during the diving mission.
Archaeologists found the bronze ring and architectural remains at the submerged site.
- Artifact
- Bronze signet ring depicting the Lighthouse of Alexandria
- Site
- Palace remains on the submerged island of Antirhodos
- Discovery team
- European Institute for Underwater Archaeology and Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
- First of its kind
- First known signet ring featuring the lighthouse
- Additional finds
- Diorite rock fragments with hieroglyphic carvings







