2,000-Year-old luxury yacht discovered in alexandria

Historic discovery in egypt's ancient port

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking find in Alexandria, uncovering the remarkably well-preserved remains of a 2,000-year-old luxury yacht.

Unique 'thalamegos' vessel uncovered

Lead archaeologist Franck Goddio confirmed the discovery of a 'thalamegos' - a type of pleasure boat popular among the wealthy during the Hellenistic period in Egypt.

Exceptional state of preservation

The vessel, measuring 35 meters in length, has an astonishing 28 meters of its hull still intact, with no need for reconstruction. The good condition is attributed to its relatively shallow 7-meter depth and the fact that it was buried under 1.5 meters of sediment.

Greek inscriptions reveal clues

Experts have identified Greek letters etched into the wooden hull, likely instructions for the boat's assembly, a common practice at the time. The inscriptions date back to the first half of the 1st century AD, during the Roman Empire.

A palace at sea

The thalamegos was designed for luxurious entertaining, hosting lavish parties and banquets. Only a select few could afford such vessels, which were mentioned in texts by ancient author Strabon.

Connection to cleopatra and julius caesar

According to historical accounts, Queen Cleopatra once received Julius Caesar on a similar yacht during his 47 BC visit to Egypt, further underscoring the opulence and prestige of these floating palaces.