Note: the Frank Goddio Society is a private organization currently engaged in doing underwater excavation of the ancient underwater seaport of Alexandria: the following is an excerpt from their Dec. 2009 newsletter:
In Alexandria archaeological excavations and visual examinations were carried out in the western part of the Portus Magnus. According to the ancient texts this was, where the “Navalia” were located. These powerful facilities were set up under the Ptolemies and maintained under the Roman Empire. They were composed of many arsenals and warehouses that ensured the smooth running of international trade in the harbour, which contributed immeasurably to the prosperity and glory of Alexandria. The archaeological remains discovered in the excavations correspond to the construction of a path topped with limestone blocks and bedded upon mortar and wooden piles. The roadway, probably connected the island of Pharos to moles and a pier, against which ships could berth and load or unload their precious cargoes.
In the port of Antirhodos, an important dike made out of limestone and mortar blocks was located. The passage between the island of Antirhodos and the mole, which was perpendicular to the ancient coastline, was confirmed. The passageway allows access to the royal ports while at the same time ensuring close control over it. The research thus once again has made it possible to determine the complexity of the infrastructure of the harbour. The archaeological information allows us to understand how ships and their crews navigated between the different harbour basins.
See here for more: http://www.franckgoddio.org/Sitemap/Project/Alexandria/Default.aspx
