Bronze Signet Ring Depicting the Lighthouse of Alexandria Discovered in Underwater Excavation

Key facts

• A bronze signet ring depicting the Lighthouse of Alexandria was discovered on the submerged Royal Island of Antirhodos in Alexandria's Portus Magnus.
• The ring is the only known example of its kind and was found during underwater excavations by the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) under Franck Goddio.
• The IEASM mission is supported by the Hilti Foundation and conducted with the Egyptian ministry for tourism and antiquities.
• The engraving on the ring matches images of the lighthouse found on coins, according to the Egyptian ministry for tourism and antiquities.
• The palace on Antirhodos was visited by Strabo between 29 and 25 BC and included administrative offices for the lighthouse.
• The excavation also uncovered pottery and glass artefacts dating from the fourth century BC to the fourth century AD.
• Egypt's minister of tourism and antiquities, Sherif Fathi, inspected the excavation work.
• Hector Williams of the University of British Columbia called the find important but noted its full significance depends on a detailed account of its findspot and dateable context.