Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-18**Lead**
A team of underwater archaeologists working off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, has unearthed a large stone block bearing Greek inscriptions that they believe originated from the Pharos Lighthouse — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The discovery was made within the sunken remains of the royal palace complex associated with Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. The find marks one of the most significant physical links yet between the legendary queen and the iconic lighthouse that once guided sailors into the bustling port of Alexandria.
**Context**
The submerged ruins of Cleopatra’s palace lie in the eastern harbor of Alexandria, an area that sank into the Mediterranean Sea centuries ago due to a combination of earthquakes, tsunamis, and gradual subsidence. Since the 1990s, the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), led by French archaeologist Franck Goddio, has been systematically excavating the site. Previous expeditions have recovered statues, sphinxes, statues of Cleopatra and her husband Mark Antony, as well as pottery and jewelry that illuminate the opulence of the Ptolemaic court.
The Pharos Lighthouse was built around 280 BC on the island of Pharos, just off the coast of Alexandria. It stood over 100 meters tall and was one of the tallest man-made structures of its time. Its light, reflected by a polished bronze mirror, could be seen up to 50 miles out to sea. The structure was damaged by several earthquakes over the centuries, with the final collapse occurring in the 14th century. For centuries, the lighthouse’s remains were lost, with only scattered blocks and fragments recovered from the harbor floor.
The newly discovered block is described by researchers as a rectangular limestone slab, approximately several feet in length, with carved Greek letters that appear to be part of a dedicatory inscription. Preliminary analysis by epigraphers suggests the text may refer to the lighthouse’s construction or a later restoration under Ptolemaic patronage. The block was found among the foundations of what is believed to be the palace’s sea-facing terrace, indicating that parts of the lighthouse were reused as building material after its collapse.
**Analise**
This discovery is more than just a rare artifact; it provides a tangible connection between Cleopatra’s royal residence and the ancient wonder. The proximity of the block to the palace suggests that the lighthouse was not only a functional monument but also a symbol of Ptolemaic power, visible from the palace windows. The find supports historical accounts that the lighthouse was a source of civic pride and a landmark for the city.
The inscription could yield new information about the lighthouse’s construction timeline or the rulers who commissioned it. If the text names a specific Ptolemaic king or queen, it would help archaeologists refine the chronology of the site. Moreover, the block’s preservation is remarkable given the corrosive effects of saltwater and centuries of underwater exposure. The team is now working to conserve the stone and prepare it for display at the Alexandria National Museum.
The discovery also underscores the fragility of underwater cultural heritage. The harbor of Alexandria is a rich archaeological zone but faces threats from looting, coastal development, and climate change-induced sea level rise. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has increased patrols and monitoring, but the sheer scale of the submerged city makes full protection challenging. Each new find like this one reinforces the need for sustained international cooperation and funding for underwater archaeology.
**Fontes**
- Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities official press release (October 2026 - European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) expedition reports - National Geographic, “Cleopatra’s Sunken Palace” (archival feature) - The Alexandria Project, University of Oxford (ongoing research on the Pharos Lighthouse)