Archaeologists Retrieve an Ancient Sphinx and Numerous Roman Coins from a 2000-Year-Old Submerged City in Egypt's Waters
In the crystal-clear waters of Abu Qir Bay, off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, a 2000-year-old city is gradually being unearthed. This ancient city, which may be an extension of the famed city of Canopus, has been a mystery since its disappearance centuries ago.
The site was first identified by Prince Omar Touson in 1859, and since then, archaeologists have been uncovering its secrets. The latest discoveries include a headless granite statue from the Ptolemaic era, a marble likeness of a Roman nobleman's lower half, and a partially preserved sphinx bearing the cartouche of Ramses II.
Among the most significant finds are a merchant shipwreck, stone anchors, and a 125-meter dock that served as a harbor until the Byzantine era. These discoveries suggest that the city was a thriving hub under the Ptolemaic dynasty and later the Roman Empire. However, like its predecessor, Alexandria, it was swallowed by the sea following earthquakes and rising waters.
The responsibility for these discoveries lies with the archaeologists conducting the underwater excavations, overseen in part by the Egyptian Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fath. Cranes are lifting statues, coins, stone anchors, and fragments of temples, harbor docks, and a sphinx from the Mediterranean. Many of these artifacts are being restored and will be showcased in the "Secrets of the Sunken City" exhibition at Alexandria's National Museum.
The city's reemergence serves as a stark warning about the potential fate of modern Alexandria due to geology and climate. Abu Qir Bay has been a site of lost empires since the 19th century, and today, Alexandria is currently subsiding by more than three millimeters each year. The United Nations projects that a third of Alexandria could be underwater or uninhabitable by 2050 under optimistic scenarios.
In a bid to protect its underwater heritage, Egypt has signed UNESCO's 2001 Convention on Underwater Cultural Heritage, which restricts retrieval and prioritizes in-situ preservation. This convention aims to ensure that the city's secrets, like the ones being uncovered today, will continue to reveal themselves to future generations.
The city's reemergence also sheds light on Alexandria's rich history as a famous resort town in Greco-Roman times, particularly known for its temples. NapoleΜon's warships were identified in Abu Qir Bay, sunk during the Battle of the Nile in 1798, further emphasizing the city's historical significance.
As the city continues to rise from the depths, it serves as a testament to the resilience of Alexandria and a reminder of the city's glorious past. The discoveries made in Abu Qir Bay offer not only a glimpse into the city's history but also a warning about the importance of preserving our past for future generations.
