Ancient Ring Discovery in Cleopatra’s Harbor Highlights Lost Wonder

Archaeologists announced the discovery of an ancient ring in a submerged harbor associated with Cleopatra, shedding light on a long-lost marvel of the ancient world. This find occurred in Alexandria, Egypt’s submerged royal harbor, and was made public by the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology.

The ring, described by experts as a ‘perfect object,’ was unearthed at the royal palace site on Antirhodos Island. This area was part of Alexandria’s ancient royal quarters linked to Cleopatra VII, Mark Antony, and Julius Caesar.

The bronze ring features the Lighthouse of Alexandria, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is the first known signet ring depicting this landmark. Signet rings were traditionally used to stamp seals.

Built in the third century B.C., the lighthouse guided mariners for centuries until earthquakes eventually destroyed it, with its final collapse in the 14th century. The exact age of the ring remains unclear, although it shares iconography with 2nd century A.D. coins.

Pictures released by officials showcase a small, weathered ring with a gold-colored surface and an engraving of the lighthouse. Franck Goddio, president of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology, highlighted the significance of the ring’s location, noting it was excavated in the legendary palace of Antirhodos Island, once a center of power.

According to Alexandra F. Morris, an ancient history lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, the underwater excavation involved meticulous work, with divers tasked to find, record, and lift every artifact.

The palace, which Cleopatra might have used, could have later functioned as administrative offices, potentially overseeing the lighthouse’s operations. Morris suggested the ring’s depiction of the lighthouse might relate to this administrative connection.

While the ring’s age remains uncertain, possibly originating from either the Ptolemaic or Roman periods, it underscores the lighthouse’s prominence to ancient Alexandria. Morris observed that the lighthouse symbolized the city, even becoming part of personal signets.

Morris added that this finding might make Alexandria’s underwater history more accessible. The ring could serve as a model for replicas, offering tangible interaction for the public, especially benefitting blind and low-vision individuals.