A team of archaeologists exploring the northern coast of Egypt have uncovered the remains of a vast, submerged port near the ancient city of Taposiris Magna, a find that may them closer than ever to locating the tomb of Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, iconic Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, as reported by Bolivia TV.
Taposiris Magna, also known as Tapusir Magna, situated around 45 kilometres west of Alexandria, Egypt’s principal seaport, the second largest city after Cairo, and the largest centre on the Mediterranean coast, founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great.
The ancient city was established by Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus between 280 and 270 BC, and was along believed to have been both a relevant religious and trading centre.
Its name means “great tomb of Osiris”, it features a temple dedicated to Osiris and Isis, a necropolis with various burial styles, an extensive tunnel system connecting Lake Mariout to the Mediterranean Sea, renmants of a Greek temple, a submerged harbour and numerous artifacts such as coins, statues, pottery.
The significant discovery near Taposiris Magna includes underwater structures, including stone buildings over six metres high, columns, concrete blocks, and Ptolemaic anchors and amphorae, suggest that the site once served as a key link between inland and trade routes, Lake Mareotis, and the bustling port of Alexandria, and was also discovered a possible marble head of Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, the iconic Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and the last active pharaoh from 51 to 30 BC.
The location of Cleopatra's burial has remained a mystery since her death, but this sunken port might be a key to finding it. This port is directly connected to the temple of Taposiris Magna, and it is thought that the tomb of Cleopatra may be hidden somewhere in the enormous temple complex.
Member of the Ptolemaic dynasty and a descendant of its founder Ptolemy I Soter, a Macedonian Greek general, historian, and successor of Alexander the Great, who went on the found the Ptolemaic Kingdom centred on Egypt, famous in history and drama, Cleopatra actively influenced Roman politics at a crucial period, she came to represent, as did no other woman of antiquity, the prototype of the romantic femme fatale.
The Egyptian queen was also known for her relationship with Julius Caesar, iconic Roman statesman and a member of the First Triumvirate, and later as lover of Marcus Antonious or Mark Antony, a Roman politician, general, and Consul who played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic from a constitutional republic into the autocratic Roman Empire.
According to the archaeological team, the port now lies approximately twelve metres below the Mediterranean Sea, indicating significant geological shifts over the centuries.
Bathymetric and sediment analyses reveal that the coastline, in antiquity stretched four kilometres further out than today, reshaping the understanding of Egypt’s ancient geography.
Over the past two decades, excavations at the site have revealed an array of treasures, from ritual artefacts, oil lamps, and limestone vessels to bronze statuettes, foundation deposits, and hundred of coins bearing the image of Cleopatra herself.
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, hailed the discovery as proof of the country’s deep historical and maritime heritage, stating that this finding confirms that Egypt’s ancient coasts were not only centres of civilization but strategic gateways for cultural and commercial exchange with the wider world.
Link
https://tvbrics.com/en/news/ancient-port-discovery-off-egypt-s-coast-brings-archaeologists-closer-to-cleopatra-s-lost-tomb/
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