Bronze ring depicting Alexandria lighthouse found underwater

A bronze signet ring engraved with an image believed to depict the Lighthouse of Alexandria has been recovered during underwater excavations at Antirhodos, an ancient royal island in Alexandria’s Eastern Harbour. The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) conducted the excavation with Egyptian antiquities authorities. The worn engraving resembles images of the lighthouse found on coins, including examples dating to the second century AD. That comparison does not establish when the ring was made: officials have not announced a definitive date or identified its owner. Hisham ElLeithy, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the find is the first known signet ring engraved with a depiction of the lighthouse. The claim refers to the known archaeological record and has been attributed to Egyptian antiquities officials. Signet rings could be pressed into materials such as wax or clay to leave a seal. The ring’s recovery at the remains of a palace on Antirhodos has prompted an interpretation that the building may have had administrative functions.