Underwater archaeologists have found an extraordinary treasure trove off the Egyptian coast. From this site they have recently discovered a large, incredibly preserved, ancient pleasure boat—the first century BCE. Franck Goddio, that same world-famous underwater archaeologist, found the wreck on the waters lining Thonis-Heracleion in 2019. Such a remarkable discovery yields thrilling evidence of the sumptuous lifestyle and abundant culture of early Roman period Egypt. It sits just 50 meters from the historically significant Temple of Isis.
The sailing vessel is an incredible 35 meters long. Its rare, innovative design features a distinctive central pavilion flanked by six passenger cabins with richly ornate interiors. Notable discoveries Goddio noted that the ship’s remarkably preserved timbers lay only 7 meters (23 feet) under water. They occur at depths of about 1.5 meters under the sediment. His team has been working in this area since 1992, working hand in hand with Egypt’s Ministry for Antiquities.
Goddio recounted his first impressions when surveying the wreckage. He was so taken with the unusual construction type that it energized his creativity. He made the wild guess that there were actually two ships one on top of the other. His team’s deep excavations proved it is, in fact, a singular vessel.
“It is very exciting… because this is the first time anybody has ever found such a boat in Egypt,” Goddio said. Here he explains what makes this boat so special. The bow is flat and the stern is round, he explained, “which makes it very apt to go across really, really shallow water.”
The find matches what’s been described in ancient literature, like the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. Among its more astonishing findings, Goddio’s team found Greek graffiti on the main carling of the vessel, which remains to be deciphered. This layer of the discovery points towards broader cultural relations and exchanges taking place in that time period.
“I mean, those boats were really described by ancient authors in many, many ways, like Strabo,” Goddio said. They made their way into all sorts of iconography. Perhaps the most famous such example is the so-called Palestrina mosaic, which features the figures of noblemen hunting hippopotamuses from the decks of their smaller boat. An actual shipwreck had never been found before.”
Goddio is now working with the Hilti Foundation on more groundbreaking projects you’ll want to stay tuned for. His earlier findings in 2000 had uncovered the lost city of Thonis-Heracleion and sections of Canopus in the Bay of Abu Qir. His team has played a key role in finding two mammoth statues of a Ptolemaic queen and king.
Research has shown that the newly discovered pleasure boat may have held considerable significance to ceremonial practice. It was probably played as part of the navigatio iside, a processional celebration to the goddess Isis. Goddio explained, “It may have been part of the naval procession. A fleet on the day of celebration could have met this magnificent decorated sailboat itself, symbol of the Navigium that stood for Isis’s barque solaire, the mistress of the sea.”
By adhering closely to UNESCO regulations, Goddio and his teams emphasized their commitment to responsible intervention and preservation. These guidelines suggest abandoning archaeological artifacts underwater when it’s fiscally feasible. This method allows for artifacts to be saved in situ while more research can happen.
Goddio expressed optimism about what this discovery could reveal: “This promises to unveil new insights into life, religion, luxury, and pleasure on the waterways of early Roman Egypt.”
As these excavation efforts continue, our team is all the more motivated to learn more about this remarkable vessel and what her history can tell us. Every find uncovers amazing insights into the history around us. Scholars and history buffs alike are mesmerized by these majestic artifacts.