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Twenty-two stone blocks, believed to have been part of the Lighthouse of Alexandria, have been found submerged in the surrounding waters. 🏛️ Discovery Overview Twenty-two massive stone blocks from the Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, have been recovered from the seabed near the island where the lighthouse once stood. These include door lintels, thresholds, base slabs, and a Ptolemaic-era pylon with an elaborately carved doorway. Interesting Insights The blocks were recovered as part of the PHAROS Project, led by Isabelle Hairy of France’s CNRS and supported by La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. Some of the blocks weigh 70–80 tons and feature a blend of Egyptian and Greek architectural styles, providing rare insights into Hellenistic engineering. The project utilizes digital simulations and photogrammetry to reconstruct the lighthouse virtually, enabling researchers to understand its original structure and potential for collapse. This builds on earlier underwater research from 1995 by Jean-Yves Empereur, who first mapped the submerged remains. 🌍 Historical Context Constructed during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (280–247 BCE), the lighthouse stood over 100 meters tall, making it arguably the world’s first skyscraper. It served as a beacon for sailors and a symbol of Alexandria’s maritime power. The structure was damaged by three major earthquakes between 956 and 1303 AD and was later dismantled to build the Citadel of Qaitbay in 1480. https://www.heritagedaily.com/2025/07/blocks-from-the-lighthouse-of-alexandria-recovered-from-seabed/155568 A brief video on the Lighthouse of Alexandria:

We have previously posted about the Scythians several times (see below). Although the Scythians may have existed before the Roman Empire, they decisively defeated the Romans at the Battle of Histria in 62-61 BCE (located in the ancient Greek polis of Histria, on the Baltic coast in modern Romania). The Sarmatians later absorbed the Scythians. A Scythian woman’s boot was discovered in 1948 in the Altai Mountains near Siberia and is now exhibited in Russia. The boot dates to the fourth century BCE. The boot was made from soft red leather and decorated with intricate patterns of black beads and pyrite crystals. The Altai Mountains in Siberia are known for their permafrost, which has helped to preserve many artifacts from the Scythian period. The Scythians were a nomadic, horse-riding people of Iranian origin who dominated the Eurasian steppe from around the 9th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, with their peak influence between the 7th and 3rd centuries BCE. 🏹 Who Were the Scythians? Origin: They likely originated in Central Asia and began migrating westward around the 9th–8th centuries BCE. Territory: At their height, they controlled a vast region stretching from the Altai Mountains in Mongolia to the Black Sea region, including parts of modern-day Ukraine, southern Russia, and Kazakhstan. Lifestyle: They were nomadic pastoralists, known for their exceptional horsemanship, archery, and warfare tactics. They lived in wagons, herded livestock, and had few permanent settlements. Culture: Despite their nomadic lifestyle, they developed a rich material culture, especially known for elaborate goldwork, burial mounds (kurgans), and art influenced by Greek and Persian styles. 🏇 The Rise and Fall of the Scythians The Scythians were a nomadic people of Iranian origin who emerged from the Central Asian steppes around the 9th century BCE. They spoke an Eastern Iranian language and were part of a broader group of steppe cultures that relied heavily on horseback riding, archery, and mobile pastoralism. By the 8th to 7th centuries BCE, they had migrated westward into the Pontic-Caspian steppe—modern-day Ukraine and southern Russia—where they established themselves as a dominant force. Their society was decentralized, composed of various tribes led by chieftains, but they shared a common culture and language. They became known to the ancient Greeks, who described them as fierce warriors and skilled horsemen. The Scythians were especially feared for their hit-and-run tactics in battle, their use of composite bows, and their ability to live off the land while on the move. During the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, the Scythians reached the height of their power. They raided deep into the Near East and even played a role in the downfall of the Assyrian Empire. At one point, they controlled a vast territory stretching from the Danube River in the west to the borders of China in the east. They also established trade and cultural exchanges with the Greeks, especially along the Black Sea coast, where Greek colonies like Olbia and Chersonesus flourished. In 513 BCE, the Persian king Darius I launched a campaign against the Scythians, attempting to subdue them. However, the Scythians avoided direct confrontation, using their mobility and scorched-earth tactics to frustrate the Persian army. Darius eventually withdrew, and the Scythians retained their independence. Despite their military prowess, the Scythians began to decline in the 4th century BCE. They faced increasing pressure from other nomadic groups, particularly the Sarmatians, who gradually displaced them from their core territories. Some Scythian groups migrated southward into Central and South Asia, where they became known as the Sakas and played a significant role in the history of ancient India and Iran. By the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, the Scythians had largely disappeared as a distinct people in the Pontic steppe. They were absorbed into other cultures or pushed out by new waves of invaders, such as the Goths. However, their legacy endured in the archaeological record—especially in the form of elaborate burial mounds (kurgans) filled with gold, weapons, and finely crafted artifacts—and in the accounts of ancient historians like Herodotus. https://greekreporter.com/2025/07/04/ancient-scythian-boot-discovery-preserved-frozen-ground-russia/ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scythians

Following the discovery of two Roman-era swords near Willersey two years ago, nearby excavations have unearthed an extensive Iron Age settlement. A Roman villa may have also been discovered. The discovery of two rare Roman cavalry swords near the village of Willersey in the Cotswolds has led to the unearthing of what might be a significant Iron Age to Roman settlement, possibly including a Roman villa. 🗡️ The Discovery • In 2023, metal detectorist Glenn Manning, on only his second outing, found two iron Roman spathae (long cavalry swords) during a rally. • The swords, still bearing traces of their scabbards, were donated to the Corinium Museum in Cirencester. • X-rays revealed one sword had pattern welding, indicating high craftsmanship and status. 🏛️ Archaeological Significance • Prompted by the sword find, Historic England conducted geophysical surveys, revealing: ◦ Three or four Iron Age ring ditches ◦ A substantial rectangular enclosure (68m x 55m) ◦ Roman limestone building remains, possibly a winged villa. • The site spans several centuries, from the Early Iron Age through the Roman period. 🧩 Unsolved Mysteries • The swords date to the 2nd–3rd centuries AD, contemporary with the villa. • Their exact purpose or reason for being buried together remains unknown. • The absence of shoulder-belts suggests they may not have been buried as part of a military grave. 🏺 Additional Finds • Roman building materials: ceramic roofing tiles, box flue tiles, painted wall plaster • Burials: an Iron Age burial with an iron arm band, a horse skull, and disarticulated human remains • These finds hint at ritual activity or long-term occupation. 🏛️ Public Access & Future Plans • The swords will be on display at the Corinium Museum starting August 2. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8zzp83q3ro

Here are some followup articles https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyk3kjp4w3o https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyk3kjp4w3o

We have had previous posts about recent finds at Magna Fort at Hadrian’s Wall (see below). Below is the latest video about the Magna Fort discovery of large shoes. Here is a young child’s shoe found at the site:

Here’s a follow-up article on some of the shoes found at Roman fort Magna. https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/25282641.rare-discovery-made-magna-roman-fort-hadrians-wall/ Here’s a nice video on excavations earlier this year: https://youtu.be/2Kde75jgGes?si=mK9fShm3ORipJ9S4

There have been several posts about Carthage’s innovative harbor (see below). Here’s a good short video on the harbor:

Stratonikeia, Turkey, was a significant city in the Roman Empire (see post below). Recent excavations have found an extensive library complex. The Ancient Library, over 2,000 years old, was constructed during the Hellenistic period and subsequently redesigned in Roman times. Located at the intersection of four streets, it featured a reading hall, courtyard, southern portico, and rooms, decorated with 4th-century mosaics. Inscribed as built by a master from Ephesus, it shows cross-regional influence. It survived until a 7th-century earthquake led to abandonment. Stratonikeia earned its nickname as the “City of Gladiators” due to abundant archaeological and epigraphic evidence that highlights its deep connection to gladiatorial culture during the Roman period. Here's what we know: 🪨 Inscriptions and Steles Gladiatorial Inscriptions: Many inscribed steles have been found in Stratoniceia, commemorating individual gladiators, such as Droseros, Chrysos, Vitalis, and Eumelos. These inscriptions detail: Victories and ranks of the gladiators Physical descriptions and sometimes their origins Sponsors of the games and public honors given to the fighters These records offer a rich social and cultural context, showing how gladiators were celebrated and remembered in the city. 🏟️ Architectural Evidence Ancient Stadium: Excavations have uncovered a large stadium within the city, believed to have hosted gladiatorial games and public spectacles. The size and design of the arena indicate it was a major venue for combat sports, attracting spectators from across the region. ⚰️ Funerary Monuments Sarcophagi and Reliefs: A recently discovered 2,000-year-old sarcophagus in the Agora features elaborate carvings and may be linked to individuals connected with the games. Some funerary monuments include reliefs depicting gladiatorial combat, further emphasizing the city's role as a center for these events. https://allthatsinteresting.com/stratonikeia-turkey-roman-library Ancient library emerges in Türkiye's Stratonikeia, revealing architectural grandeur - Türkiye Today

A Roman soldier’s wrist pouch was found in the Czech Republic. There were no coins in the purse, but nearby excavations found numerous coins from the reign of Marcus Aurelius (reign AD 161-180). It has been suggested that the soldier who lost the pouch was from the Legio X Gemina, involved in the Marcomannic Wars. https://greekreporter.com/2025/06/26/rare-roman-soldier-wrist-purse-czech-republic/

A large marble head has been discovered during excavations at Trajan’s Forum in Rome. https://lavocedinewyork.com/en/arts/2025/06/22/rome-a-colossal-marble-head-resurfaces-in-trajans-forum/ https://www.labrujulaverde.com/en/2025/06/large-marble-head-from-the-impressive-porticus-trisigmentata-discovered-in-trajans-forum/#

This picture of the excavated wall puts this find in perspective.

A Roman-era city has been found in Melun (the ancient city of Metlosedum), near Paris. https://greekreporter.com/2025/06/18/roman-era-city-france-modern-melun/

A well-preserved defensive structure as well as Roman lead sling bullets (pictured above) as well as iron arrowheads from Roman scorpio weapons were found in Ugento (Roman Uxentum), a city once allied with Hannibal. https://arkeonews.net/hannibals-italian-ally-170-meters-of-fortifications-and-450-roman-lead-projectiles-discovered/

Archaeologists are attempting to reconstruct Roman frescoes by examining thousands of plaster fragments discovered in a Roman villa in London. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y5w1ldz8do

A metal detectorist found a hoard of 13 silver Roman coins in a field near Downham Market, Norfolk. The oldest coin (pictured above) dates back to 152 BCE, minted during the Roman Republic. The most recent coin dates from the reign of Tiberius (from AD 14-37). It is suggested that this coin hoard was deposited during Claudius's invasion of Britain in AD 43. The coin hoard covers a span of two centuries of Roman coinage. Above is a coin of Julius Caesar, minted in Spain in 46-45 BCE https://share.google/8Hb3Sohn08KcDrq9l

There have been a few posts before about treating battlefield wounds (see below). This is an interesting video on the subject: Still another wonderful video on treating battlefield wounds:

Excavations continue at the Roman Magna Fort, near Hadrian’s Wall. Recent finds, including a large shoe, continue to make news. Archaeologists at Magna Fort, a Roman site near Hadrian’s Wall in England, recently uncovered a massive 2,000-year-old leather shoe. Measuring 12.6 inches long, roughly equivalent to a U.S. men's size 14, the shoe likely belonged to a Roman soldier with enormous feet. The discovery was made in a deep defensive trench, known as an "ankle-breaker," designed to trap enemy soldiers. The oxygen-free, waterlogged conditions remarkably preserved the leather, allowing researchers to study Roman footwear craftsmanship. The shoe features multiple layers of leather, stitching, and hobnails, reinforcing its durability. Magna Fort, also known as Carvoran, was strategically positioned at the junction of two major Roman roads, serving as a key defensive outpost along Hadrian’s Wall. One Roman soldier had enormous feet, 2,000-year-old waterlogged leather shoe reveals | Live Science Previous excavations at the fort: https://youtu.be/2Kde75jgGes?si=D4Bz5ZNdpy5i77pb

Efforts are underway to restore some of ancient Pompeii’s greenery. By analyzing spores and seeds preserved at the site, researchers have successfully recreated the flora of the Garden of Hercules, which was once filled with roses, violets, rosemary, and vines. The garden is named after the statue of Hercules (seen below) found at the site. https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/pompeiis-perfume-garden-replanted-as-it-was-2000-years-ago-lcqwbtkqr

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have unearthed an exquisitely sculpted marble sarcophagus near Caesarea, Israel. This Roman-era sarcophagus features a rare depiction of a drinking contest between Dionysus, the god of wine, and Hercules, the mythological hero. While this motif was common in Roman mosaics, its appearance on a sarcophagus marks a first for the region. The discovery was made in the sand dunes outside Caesarea, suggesting that the city's extent during the Roman period was larger than previously thought. The sarcophagus has been sent for conservation, revealing an elaborate central scene of Dionysus surrounded by mythological figures, including satyrs, Hermes, Pan, lions, and tigers. Experts believe the imagery symbolizes liberation and the transition to the afterlife. Exquisite marble sarcophagus unearthed near Caesarea

This Lego recreation depicts the Trajan Canal (Amnis Traianus) in Egypt, an ancient waterway that linked the Nile to the Red Sea. Emperor Trajan established a harbor and fortifications at the canal’s junction with the Nile, which Emperor Diocletian later reinforced in the 3rd century AD. Diocletian constructed the Babylon Fortress as part of these expansions to safeguard the canal’s entrance (see picture below). The fortress featured two imposing towers on either side of the canal. Entertaining video, although the creator gets the historical dates wrong:

Using LiDAR technology, researchers have found a Roman army camp in the Netherlands, north of the Roman limes, 50 miles southeast of Amsterdam. The findings date to about the 2nd century AD. https://amp.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article307345096.html https://www.uu.nl/en/news/roman-army-camp-found-beyond-roman-empires-northern-frontier

Some more pictures about the find: https://amp.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article307803730.html

Here is a good article on literature sources for the poorly documented and turbulent Third Century. Flickering Light in Rome’s 'Little Dark Age': Towards a Literature of the 3rd Century – Antigone

Below is an interesting review of some of the Greek ruins found in Italy. Above is a Greek temple found in Argrigento, Sicily. https://greekreporter.com/2025/06/08/ancient-greek-ruins-of-italy/

A new study challenges the long-held belief that thrushes were an exclusive delicacy for Roman elites. Archaeologists analyzed the remains of thrushes found in a latrine connected to a fast-food establishment (tabernae) in the ancient Roman city of Pollentia, Mallorca, which sold food and drink. The findings suggest that thrushes were widely consumed as street food, rather than being reserved for lavish banquets. The study identified 165 thrush bones among other food waste, indicating that these birds were sold for immediate consumption, likely fried in oil. Roman sources previously described thrushes as a luxury item, but the evidence from Pollentia suggests they were a common and affordable food for the urban population. Examination of the bones revealed that almost all the sternums, or breastbones, had been intentionally cracked. During preparation, the sternums broke upon removal, as noted in the study, aligning with traditional Mediterranean cooking methods still in use today. These methods involve flattening the bird to cook it whole, much like quail. Moreover, the absence of cut or burn marks indicates that the birds were fried in oil rather than roasted, a quick cooking technique ideal for street vendors. The research concludes that this was a standard dish intended for commercial use. https://www.labrujulaverde.com/en/2025/06/thrushes-were-the-fast-food-of-romans-in-imperial-cities-not-an-exclusive-delicacy-for-banquets/# https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oa.3416