Archaeologists Find Bronze Ring of Alexandria Lighthouse in Cleopatra Harbor, a First Known Signet Example
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 18
Archaeologists Find Bronze Ring of Alexandria Lighthouse in Cleopatra Harbor, a First Known Signet Example
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 18
Summary
A bronze signet ring engraved with the Lighthouse of Alexandria was recovered from Alexandria’s submerged royal harbor, near the Antirhodos palace complex linked to Cleopatra VII.
Officials said it is the first known signet ring to feature the ancient lighthouse, a find that could illuminate how the monument functioned as an official symbol of the city.
The ring’s date remains uncertain, though researchers said its imagery resembles some 2nd century A.D. coins; experts say it could belong to either the Ptolemaic or Roman period.
Built in the 3rd century B.C. and destroyed by earthquakes over time, the lighthouse was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, giving the small artifact outsized historical value.
Researchers also said the ring could help bring Alexandria’s hard-to-access underwater heritage to the public through replicas and touch-based displays.