Ancient Egyptian pleasure boat found by archaeologists off Alexandria coast
3 days ago
- #Ancient Egypt
- #Maritime History
- #Archaeology
- Discovery of an ancient Egyptian pleasure boat matching Strabo's description near Alexandria.
- Boat dates from the first century, 35 meters long, with a luxurious central pavilion.
- Found off the submerged island of Antirhodos, part of ancient Alexandria's great port.
- Strabo described such boats used by the royal court for excursions and festivals.
- Excavation led by Franck Goddio, marking the first discovery of its kind in Egypt.
- Boat's design suggests navigation in shallow waters, with a flat bow and round stern.
- Potential theories include the boat being a sacred barge linked to the Temple of Isis.
- Graffiti in Greek found on the boat, yet to be deciphered.
- Wreck to remain underwater following UNESCO regulations, with excavations to resume.