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An ancient Egyptian pleasure barge (thalamagos in Greek) has been discovered by Franck Goddio and his team from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM). The 35m-long boat was found submerged off the coast of Alexandria in the Eastern Harbour, lying 7m under the surface. Designed for shallow water, the boat has a flat bottomed hull and rounded stern, and would have held a luxurious cabin at its centre. The surviving timbers date to the first half of the 1st century AD, and their size suggests it would have required at least 20 rowers to propel the boat. Descriptions by Classical writers mention riotous parties being held on such vessels, but Goddio suggests this particular boat may have been used for ritual voyages, as it was found near to the submerged Temple of Isis. The boat, the first of its kind to be discovered, will be left in place on the seabed in accordance with UNESCO regulations.
Text: Sarah Griffiths / Image: Christoph Gerigk © Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation
