Archaeologists have announced the discovery of an ancient ring in a submerged harbor linked to Cleopatra, shedding new light on a long-lost wonder of the ancient world. The ring was found in the submerged royal harbor of Alexandria, Egypt, and is believed to be a signet ring featuring the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The discovery was made on the island of Antirhodos, part of Alexandria's ancient royal quarters linked to Cleopatra VII, Mark Antony, and Julius Caesar. The ring, described as a "perfect object" by an expert, is made of bronze and depicts the Lighthouse of Alexandria. It is the first known signet ring to feature the landmark.
The age of the ring is unclear, but it is believed to feature iconography similar to that found on some 2nd century A.D. coins. The Lighthouse of Alexandria, built in the third century B.C., was a guiding light for ships for centuries before it was destroyed by earthquakes over several centuries, with its final collapse occurring around the 14th century.
Franck Goddio, president of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology and leader of the excavation team, emphasized the significance of the discovery, noting that it was made in the legendary palace of the Island of Antirhodos, which was once a center of power.
The discovery of the ring is significant not only for its historical value but also for its potential to make Alexandria's underwater history more accessible to the public. As Alexandra F. Morris, an ancient history lecturer at Queen's University Belfast, noted, the ring could be used to create replicas or models that people can hold, making it easier for visitors to understand the significance of the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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