Exquisite Egyptian Finds Unveil Priceless Secrets and Untold Treasures

The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) revealed that new findings have been uncovered at the location of a sunken temple off the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. In a recent news release, it was announced that an underwater archaeological team, led by Franck Goddio, a renowned French marine archaeologist, has made additional discoveries at the ancient port city of Thonis-Heracleion. These discoveries were made at the site of a temple dedicated to the god Amun in the Bay of Aboukir.

The team examined the southern canal of the city, where massive stone blocks from the ancient temple fell during a catastrophic event believed to have occurred in the mid-second century BC, according to the institute.

The temple dedicated to the god Amun was the place where pharaohs sought the titles of their authority as the universal rulers, bestowed upon them by the supreme god of the ancient Egyptian pantheon, as per the institute's report.

The IEASM announced the discovery of precious items from the temple treasury, including silver ritual instruments, gold jewelry, and delicate alabaster containers for perfumes or unguents. These artifacts provide evidence of the sanctuary's wealth and the devotion of the past residents of the port city. Furthermore, a significant number of animal mummies have been found at the ancient Egyptian site.

The team of Goddios and the Department of Underwater Archaeology of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt conducted joint archaeological excavations. During these excavations, they discovered underground structures that were supported by well-preserved wooden posts and beams dating back to the 5th century BC. Goddio, the president of IEASM and director of excavations, expressed his emotions, stating that it was truly remarkable to uncover these delicate objects that had managed to survive the violence and magnitude of the cataclysm.

Relics from Greek presence, too

Unveiling the Greek influence in Ancient Egypt, archaeologists unearthed a graceful bronze vessel shaped like a duck in the midst of pottery fragments at the location of a recently unveiled Greek sanctuary dedicated to Aphrodite in the sunken remains of Thonis-Heracleion.

Christoph Gerigk ©Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation

East of the Amun temple, a Greek sanctuary devoted to Aphrodite was discovered containing bronze and ceramic objects.

The institute stated that this demonstrates that Greeks, who were permitted to engage in trade and establish communities in the city while the Pharaohs of the Saïte dynasty (664 - 525 BC) were in power, had dedicated sanctuaries for their own deities.

According to IEASM, the findings of Greek weaponry also confirm the existence of Greek mercenaries in the region. "They were responsible for safeguarding the entrance to the Kingdom at the Canopic Branch of the Nile, which was not only the largest but also the most easily navigable branch in ancient times."

Diving at Thonis-Hercleion to discover ancient treasures is a delicate task. A votive handis show emerging from the sediment during an excavation.

Thonis-Heracleion, discovered by IEASM, is now situated beneath the sea, approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Egypt's current coastline. Prior to the establishment of Alexandria by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, this city served as the prominent Mediterranean port of Egypt for several centuries.

According to the institute, a 110 square kilometer area of the Nile delta, including the city of Thonis-Heracleion, completely vanished under the sea due to rising sea levels, earthquakes, and subsequent tidal waves causing land liquefaction events. The IEASM made this discovery in 2000.