Tiny Bronze Ring Found In Egypt Carries A Rare Image Of The Lighthouse Of Alexandria
Archaeologists in Alexandria have found a bronze seal ring showing the Lighthouse of Alexandria, a first of its kind, officials said.
A small bronze ring pulled from Alexandria’s Eastern Harbor could add a fresh piece to the story of one of the ancient world’s most famous buildings. Egyptian officials say the object appears to show the Lighthouse of Alexandria, and that no seal ring of this kind has been identified before.
Why this ring stands out
The discovery was announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, with underwater work being carried out by the European Institute of Underwater Archaeology and Egypt’s General Department of Underwater Archaeology.
The ring was recovered in waters near Antirhodos, the now-submerged island that once held Alexandria’s royal palace, in the grand royal harbor known as Portus Magnus. Archaeologists have also been uncovering pottery and glass finds, including tableware, vessels, bottles, oil lamps and pieces of glass vessels.
Officials said the engraved image on the bronze ring appears to depict the Lighthouse of Alexandria, making it the first known seal ring of this type with that monument on it. Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the image resembles lighthouse depictions already known from coins dated to the second century C.E., which may place the ring in the same era.
Researchers believe the ring was likely used as a seal, pressing its design into wax or clay. Objects like this were used in administrative and economic activity, including sealing correspondence, confirming official paperwork and closing jars carrying goods such as wine or olive oil. Officials said more study is still needed to confirm that purpose.
A new clue linked to a lost wonder
The lighthouse was built in the third century B.C.E. on the island of Pharos and rose more than 300 feet, making it one of the tallest structures in the world for centuries. It served as a guide for ships approaching Alexandria.
Construction is thought to have taken at least a decade, and possibly much longer, with completion coming during the reign of Ptolemy II, who ruled from 284 to 246 B.C.E. The tower was later damaged by earthquakes. One event in 956 C.E. caused cracks in the structure, and later earthquakes in 1303 and 1323 brought it down.
Its remains were found in 1994 in waters off Pharos Island by archaeologist Jean-Yves Empereur, and blocks from the lighthouse were recovered again from the Eastern Harbor in 2025.
The current excavation season is focused on four sites in Alexandria’s Eastern Harbor: the Temple of Isis, the palace on Antirhodos, a nearby obelisk and the Timonium, also known as the Palace of Antony. The finds from this season range from the fourth century B.C.E. to the fourth century C.E. Divers are continuing work at those locations, and excavations in Abu Qir Bay are planned after that stage is completed.
