Ancient Egyptian Pleasure Barge Unearthed Near Cleopatra’s Lost Palace in Alexandria
A remarkable archaeological discovery has emerged from the waters of Alexandria’s royal harbor, where researchers uncovered the remains of an ancient Egyptian pleasure boat believed to be linked to Cleopatra VII. The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), led by French archaeologist Franck Goddio, announced the find earlier this month, revealing a 115-foot-long thalamegos — a type of luxurious barge used in ancient Egypt for ceremonies, feasting, and leisure cruises. The excavation took place near the ruins of what is thought to be Cleopatra’s lost palace complex within the great Portus Magnus of Alexandria.
The vessel’s flat-bottomed hull, designed with a hard chine at the bow and a rounded stern, was constructed to maximize breadth and accommodate a central pavilion, according to the IEASM. Approximately 92 feet of the ship’s structure has been preserved, providing an extraordinary glimpse into ancient shipbuilding techniques and royal lifestyle. The barge likely featured a lavishly decorated cabin and was propelled solely by oars, underscoring its ceremonial rather than utilitarian function.
Graffiti inscribed in Greek was also discovered on the vessel, dating to the first half of the first century A.D. While the exact content remains under study, the inscriptions support the hypothesis that the ship was constructed locally in Alexandria. The IEASM’s findings suggest the barge may have sunk during the destruction of the Temple of Isis around 50 A.D., a period marked by significant upheaval in the city.
Cleopatra VII, Egypt’s last active pharaoh, is well known for her complex legacy—respected in Egyptian tradition but often vilified in Roman accounts. She was a prominent patron of the cult of Isis, and the newly found barge may have played a role in religious ceremonies dedicated to the goddess. Goddio proposed that the vessel was part of a naval procession celebrating Isis, known as the Navigium, which involved a ritual voyage from Alexandria’s Portus Magnus to the sanctuary of Osiris at Canopus along the Canopic Channel.
This discovery enriches our understanding of the cultural and religious life in Alexandria during Cleopatra’s reign. The barge’s opulence and ceremonial use illustrate the intertwining of political power, religion, and leisure among Egypt’s elite. The find also complements other recent archaeological breakthroughs, such as the discovery of a 3,600-year-old pharaoh’s tomb by Dr. Josef Wegner at the Penn Museum, highlighting the ongoing vitality of Egyptological research.
For more on Alexandria’s maritime heritage and Cleopatra’s era, the National Park Service offers extensive resources. The Archaeological Institute of America provides updates on underwater excavations worldwide, including those by IEASM. The U.S. Government’s official portal also catalogs international cultural heritage news, while the National Geographic Society continues to publish in-depth analyses of ancient civilizations.
As researchers continue to analyze the ship’s remains and inscriptions, this extraordinary find promises to shed new light on the ceremonial practices and daily life in one of history’s most fascinating cities, deepening our connection to Cleopatra’s enduring legacy.
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