Archaeologists unearth rare first-century vessel in submerged Alexandria

Archaeologists have discovered an ancient Egyptian pleasure boat off the coast of Alexandria, matching a description recorded by the first-century Greek historian Strabo. Found near the submerged island of Antirhodos in Alexandria’s ancient Portus Magnus, the 35-metre vessel dates to the early first century AD and was built to carry a central pavilion with a richly decorated cabin.

The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), led by Franck Goddio, uncovered the wreck just 7 metres below the surface, The Guardian writes. 

Goddio said: “It’s extremely exciting because it’s the first time ever that such a boat has been discovered in Egypt … Those boats were mentioned by different ancient authors, like Strabo … But [an actual boat] has never been discovered before.”

Strabo had described such vessels as “luxuriously fitted out and used by the royal court for excursions … every day and every night is crowded with people on the boats who play the flute and dance without restraint and with extreme licentiousness.”

The well-preserved timbers indicate a 7-metre beam and space for more than 20 rowers. Goddio noted its unusual construction: “The bow is flat … and the stern is round … to be able to navigate in very shallow water.”

The wreck lies less than 50 metres from the Temple of Isis, which Goddio has also been excavating. It may have sunk when the temple was destroyed around AD50, or it may have served as a sacred barge for ceremonies honouring Isis. Graffiti in Greek found on the central carling is still being deciphered.

Prof Damian Robinson of the Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology called it “a type of ship that’s never been found before … it’s phenomenal to have the archaeological correlate.”

Following Unesco guidelines, the vessel will remain on the seabed. Only a small part of the area has been explored, and excavations are set to continue.

By Sabina Mammadli