Bronze ring with Lighthouse of Alexandria engraving discovered at palace on submerged island in Egypt

A finely-crafted bronze signet ring featuring the iconic Lighthouse of Alexandria has been unearthed beneath the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. The remarkable find was made by a collaborative team from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, who discovered the artifact in the ruins of a once-grand palace on the submerged Antirhodos island.

This marks the inaugural identification of a signet ring with the lighthouse's image, according to IEASM. The ring's depiction aligns closely with those found on coins from the second century, further substantiating the identification. The significance of this discovery lies in its location within the legendary palace of Antirhodos, a former epicenter of power during the Ptolemaic period (304 to 30 B.C.).

The Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled Egypt following the death of Alexander the Great's generals, resided in this palace. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, constructed around 280 B.C. on Pharos Island, soared over 100 meters into the sky and stood as one of the ancient world's Seven Wonders. Its torch, often depicted as a statue of Zeus holding an oil lamp, guided mariners until its disappearance beneath the waves due to earthquakes and erosion.

The newly discovered bronze signet ring, although showing signs of wear, unmistakably portrays the Lighthouse of Alexandria. The ring's engraving, while somewhat faded, likely depicts the lighthouse, as confirmed by Doris Behrens-Abouseif, a renowned Egyptologist. While scholars agree on the ring's depiction, speculation arises about its potential use by a merchant from Alexandria as a symbol of their location in the city, given the lighthouse's famed status.

The discovery also highlights ongoing research efforts to digitally reconstruct the lighthouse, with recent finds, including 22 massive blocks, shedding light on its architectural details.