First Archaeological Discovery Of An Ancient Egyptian 'Thalamegos' — 35m Pleasure Barge Recovered Off Alexandria

Archaeologists have uncovered what is believed to be the first physical example of a thalamegos — an ancient Egyptian pleasure barge — in the submerged remains of Alexandria’s harbour. The wreck, excavated by teams from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) and the Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology, measures about 35 metres (approximately 115 feet) in length and closely matches descriptions recorded by the first-century CE geographer Strabo.

The vessel was found near the sunken island of Antirhodos within Portus Magnus (the Great Port) and lies less than 50 metres from the remains of the Temple of Isis. Divers report remarkably well-preserved timberwork across the hull and superstructure, offering an unusually clear glimpse of shipbuilding practices and decorative elements from the period.

Carved Greek graffiti discovered on the barge’s central structure appears to date to the same era and points to local construction in Alexandria, strengthening the identification of the craft as a thalamegos. Classical sources record thalamegoi as cabin-like, ceremonial boats used for festivals, leisure and religious processions — often pictured navigating canals lined with dense vegetation — and the newly recovered wreck accords with those literary and artistic records.

The wreck’s position and dating evidence suggest it may have sunk around 50 CE, a period when seismic activity and tidal surges are known to have damaged Alexandria’s shoreline and toppled some palaces and temples into the sea. An alternative interpretation is that the barge played an intentional role in temple ritual — perhaps as a ceremonial craft associated with the nearby Temple of Isis.

Franck Goddio, founder of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology, described the discovery as exceptional, noting that while thalamegoi have long been attested in texts and iconography, an archaeological example had never before been recovered in Egypt.

Professor Damian Robinson, director of the Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology, added that the find provides a rare archaeological correlate to classical descriptions and artistic depictions of cabin-boats.

In line with UNESCO guidance and to ensure long-term preservation, researchers have decided to leave the wreck in situ on the seabed while continuing detailed documentation, recording and targeted sampling. Conservation teams will monitor the site, conduct further study of the timbers and inscriptions, and publish analyses that should shed new light on Hellenistic-Roman Egyptian maritime culture and ceremonial life.

This discovery not only confirms a long-discussed ship type from antiquity but also highlights Alexandria’s continuing potential to reshape our understanding of ancient Mediterranean seafaring, religion and urban coastal change.