Archaeologists discovered an ancient submerged city near Alexandria's shoreline

In a groundbreaking discovery, Egyptian authorities announced on Thursday the unveiling of a sunken ancient city off the shores of Abu Qir, east of Alexandria. The underwater archaeological site, believed to be part of the Roman-era city that may have been an extension of Canopus, has been under investigation by a French-Egyptian research team led by Franck Goddio from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM).

The remains of the submerged city, known as Herakleion, span successive eras from the Ptolemaic to the Roman period. The site, located on the Mediterranean, includes temples, water cisterns, residential buildings, statues, and a merchant ship carrying walnuts and almonds. Researchers confirmed the existence of a port at the site through the recovery of anchors.

One of the most significant finds includes a merchant ship more than two thousand years old, which was discovered intact. Statues such as a sphinx from the reign of King Ramses II were also recovered. The merchant ship and other artifacts provide valuable insights into the trade and daily life during that era.

However, the sunken city faces risks from rising sea levels due to climate change. Sea levels in the area are rising at a rate of three millimeters per year. The United Nations has warned that by 2050, one-third of Alexandria could be submerged. Large parts of Alexandria sank centuries ago due to earthquakes and rising sea levels, leaving many ancient cities underwater. The findings from the sunken city support studies suggesting that Alexandria was submerged due to a massive earthquake or tsunami.

The Tourism Minister, Sherif Fathy, stated that only certain artifacts can be moved under UNESCO agreements, with the rest remaining as submerged heritage. The Ministry of Tourism believes the site could be a tourist attraction, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city's rich history.

For the latest news updates, follow the website, Instagram, and Facebook accounts for the project, which can be found on X. This discovery not only adds to our understanding of Alexandria's history but also highlights the importance of preserving our heritage in the face of climate change.