In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have uncovered a small, leather-bound book believed to be a passport mini from ancient Alexandria. The artifact, which dates back to the 3rd century BC, provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily life and customs of the ancient city.
The passport mini, measuring just 4 inches by 2.5 inches, is adorned with intricate designs and features inscriptions in both Greek and Egyptian hieroglyphics. It is remarkably well-preserved, with its pages still intact and legible.
Dr. Sofia Katsaros, the lead archaeologist on the excavation, described the find as “truly remarkable.” She added, “This passport mini offers a rare insight into the bureaucracy and administration of ancient Alexandria. It sheds light on how people traveled and conducted business in the city during that period.”
The passport mini contains personal information about its owner, including their name, occupation, and residence. It also includes details about their family members and travel history. The document appears to have been used for official purposes, such as crossing borders and conducting trade.
One particularly intriguing aspect of the passport mini is a series of stamps and seals that mark the owner’s travels. These stamps show that the owner visited various cities along the Mediterranean coast, including Athens, Rome, and Jerusalem. It is clear that the owner was a well-traveled individual who conducted business across the region.
The discovery of the passport mini has sparked excitement among historians and archaeologists, who see it as a valuable resource for understanding the ancient world. Dr. Katsaros and her team are now working to decipher the remaining inscriptions and unravel the mysteries of the document.
Experts believe that the passport mini belonged to a merchant or trader who operated in Alexandria during the Hellenistic period. The city, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, was a bustling hub of commerce and culture, attracting people from all corners of the ancient world.
The passport mini is just one of several artifacts uncovered during the excavation of a residential complex in Alexandria. The site, located near the ancient library of Alexandria, has yielded a wealth of historical treasures, including coins, pottery, and jewelry.
As researchers continue to explore the site, they hope to gain a deeper understanding of life in ancient Alexandria and the role it played in the wider Mediterranean world. The discovery of the passport mini is a testament to the city’s cosmopolitan nature and its importance as a center of trade and intellectual exchange.
For now, the passport mini remains on display at the Alexandria Museum, where visitors can marvel at its exquisite craftsmanship and historic significance. It serves as a reminder of the rich and diverse history of Alexandria, a city that continues to captivate and inspire us to this day.
