The Discovery
Archaeologists surveying the submerged royal quarter of Alexandria have recovered a bronze ring bearing an image of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The piece was found in the underwater ruins of Antirhodos, an island that once held a royal palace before sinking beneath the Mediterranean Sea due to geological shifts, earthquakes, and tidal waves. The survey was conducted by the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology, directed by Franck Goddio, in partnership with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This item is the first known signet ring discovered that features an engraving of the famous ancient monument.
What Scientists Found
The engraving on the ring matches depictions of the lighthouse seen on Roman coins from the second century AD, though an exact date for the ring has not been established. In ancient times, signet rings were stamped into wax or clay to secure correspondence, approve official documents, or identify personal property. Researchers have not identified the owner of the ring or confirmed if it was used for official business, as it might have simply been a decorative personal item.
Along with the ring, recent underwater excavations across the royal quarter have uncovered items dating from the fourth century BC to the fourth century AD, including:
- Amphorae and pottery fragments
- Glass vessels
- Various household items
These discoveries were made during investigations around the Antirhodos Palace, the Temple of Isis, and the Timonium.
Why It Matters
The recovery site provides clues about the administrative role of the palace long ago. The residence was documented by the Greek geographer Strabo when he visited Egypt between 29 and 25 BC. Dr. Hisham El-Lithi of the Supreme Council of Antiquities stated that the ring suggests the Antirhodos Palace complex maintained administrative functions through the second century AD, which may have included overseeing lighthouse operations.
Constructed on Pharos island during the third century BC under the Ptolemaic dynasty, the lighthouse stood between 330 and 430 feet tall with three distinct tiers. It guided merchant ships away from dangerous offshore shallow waters into Alexandria's harbor for over a thousand years. After being destroyed by earthquakes, its stones were used in the 15th century by Mamluk sultan Qaitbay to build a fortress.
Source: ancient civilization archaeology discovery - BingNews · Published October 16, 2026 · Photo by 13winds via Openverse