Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 2 days ago
Bronze ring depicting Alexandria’s lighthouse found underwater
Underwater archaeologists have found a bronze signet ring engraved with the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
It was recovered from the remains of the royal palace on Antirhodos, an island in Alexandria’s ancient Great Harbour, now underwater off Egypt’s coast.
The island sank in 365 CE after an earthquake near Crete triggered a tsunami.
The lighthouse, known as the Pharos, was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Researchers say the ring’s faded image resembles lighthouse pictures found on ancient coins, and it may have been used to stamp official seals in wax or clay.
The palace held offices that handled administrative work, including the lighthouse’s administration.
The ring is the only known example of its kind, though an archaeologist says its significance will be clearer when its precise find location and archaeological dating are known.
A bronze signet ring engraved with the Lighthouse of Alexandria was found during underwater excavations on the submerged island of Antirhodos.
The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology conducted the excavation under the direction of Franck Goddio, in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The Egyptian ministry said this is the first known seal ring engraved with an image of the lighthouse.
The ring was found in the remains of the royal palace in Alexandria’s ancient Portus Magnus.
Archaeologist Hector Williams said the find’s full importance depends on more detail about its location and archaeological context.
- Who
- The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology team, directed by Franck Goddio, found the ring.
- What
- A bronze signet ring engraved with the Lighthouse of Alexandria was discovered.
- When
- The sources report the discovery in October 2026 but do not give the excavation date.
- Where
- In the submerged remains of the royal palace on Antirhodos, in the ancient harbour of Portus Magnus, Alexandria.
- Why
- Not stated
Egyptian ministry and Franck Goddio
Hector Williams
Significance
Egyptian ministry and Franck Goddio
Goddio said the find is especially important because it came from the palace, once a centre of power.
Hector Williams
Williams called it interesting and important but said its full importance will not be known without details about where it was found and whether the context can be dated.
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
The discovery is exceptional, as it is the first time that a picture of the lighthouse has been found engraved on a seal ring, and the shape of the engraving matches known images of the lighthouse on some coins dating back to the second century AD.
this little ring matches descriptions of the lighthouse as well as representations believed to be of it on ancient mosaics and small objects like terracotta lamps
But until we get a detailed account of just where it was found and whether it was in a dateable context (ie to give us an approximate date) its full importance won't be known.
A tsunami following an earthquake near Crete sank Antirhodos, according to Gizmodo.
Franck Goddio rediscovered Antirhodos, according to Gizmodo.
Underwater archaeologists reported finding the bronze ring during excavations on Antirhodos.
- Material
- Bronze
- Depiction
- Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos
- Find location
- Royal palace on Antirhodos, in Portus Magnus
- Excavation team
- European Institute for Underwater Archaeology, directed by Franck Goddio
- Reported rarity
- The only known ring of its kind, according to both articles
Sources
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