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Headline: 'First known' seal ring with engraved Lighthouse of Alexandria discovered near sunken site of Ancient Wonder

Caption: BY MARK WORGAN Archaeologists excavating Alexandria’s harbour have discovered the first bronze seal ring ever found bearing an image of the world-famous lighthouse that stood there in ancient times. Excavations are taking place across the submerged remains of ancient Alexandria's royal quarter, parts of which now lie beneath the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The bronze ring was discovered on the submerged island of Antirhodos, which formed part of the ancient Portus Magnus, according to Dr Hisham El-Leithy, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The ring bears an engraved image of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria. The depiction resembles representations found on Alexandrian coins dating from the 2nd Century AD. The discovery was made by a joint archaeological mission involving the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) and Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). Built during the Ptolemaic period on the island of Pharos, the Lighthouse of Alexandria was regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities described the discovery as exceptional, saying it was the, “first known example of an engraved depiction of the lighthouse on a seal ring.” Antirhodos was part of Alexandria's royal quarter and was home to a palace described by the Greek geographer and historian Strabo, who visited Egypt between 29 and 25 BC. Dr El-Leithy said the bronze ring was among, “a series of significant finds made during the current archaeological season.” The discovery could suggest that the Antirhodos palace continued to be used for administrative purposes into the 2nd Century AD, potentially including activities connected with the management of the lighthouse, he said. The current season's work is focused on four sites in the Eastern Harbour, including the Temple of Isis, the palace and Western Monument site on the royal island of Antirhodos, the remains of a structure identified as a sarcophagus, and the area known as the Timonium, associated with Mark Antony's palace. Among the finds recovered during the current season are pottery dating from periods between the 4th Century BC and the 4th Century AD. The objects include everyday tools, tableware, amphorae, vessels and other artefacts, as well as remains of glassware. The mission is expected to continue its work at the Abu Qir Bay archaeological site after the current season's excavations in Alexandria's Eastern Harbour are completed.

Keywords: feature,photo,ring,egypt,alexandria,archaeology

PersonInImage: Divers finding the ring.