Archaeologists recover bronze ring depicting the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria

Archaeologists working in Egypt have recovered a bronze signet ring engraved with an image of the Lighthouse of Alexandria from the submerged island of Antirhodos, located in the Eastern Harbor of Alexandria. Archaeology Magazine reported that the discovery was made by a joint team from Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology. The report noted that the finding was originally detailed by La Brújula Verde. [1]

The recovered bronze object is a signet ring, a type of personal artifact often engraved with a unique design to mark ownership or sign official paperwork. Experts suggest the artifact was likely used to press an impression of the lighthouse into wax or soft clay. This process served to seal letters and amphoras, which are two-handled storage jars, or to validate official documents. [1]

Alexandria was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great and grew into a major port city along the Mediterranean coast at the western edge of the Nile River Delta. The location of the discovery, the submerged island of Antirhodos, formed part of the ancient city's royal quarter before sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. [1][7]

According to Hisham El-Leithy of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, the engraved image on the signet ring provides valuable visual details regarding the historical appearance of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Further analysis of the artifact will continue to assist researchers in studying administrative and artistic practices in ancient Alexandria. [1]