Archaeologists have discovered a submerged ancient port near the ruins of the Taposiris Magna temple complex west of Alexandria, Egypt.
Taposiris Magna was constructed by Ptolemy II Philadelphus between 280 and 270 BC on the navigable arm of Lake Mareotis.
The temple and surrounding town served as a hub for handling products transported across the lake, as well as receiving goods from overland trading routes before shipping them to Alexandria.
In a groundbreaking study led by archaeologist Kathleen Martinez, working in collaboration with RMS Titanic discoverer Bob Ballard and a team of underwater archaeologists, a vast submerged port was discovered offshore from Taposiris Magna at a depth of 12 metres.
According to Martinez, the port consists of a series of constructions arranged in rows rising over 6 metres, including columns, polished stone floors, cemented blocks, as well as various anchors and amphora dated to the reign of Cleopatra.
The discovery adds further credence to Martinez’s theory that Cleopatra was transported to Taposiris Magna following her death in 30 BC and then carried through a 1,300-metre-long underground tunnel (discovered by Martinez in 2022) to the direction of the port, before being laid to rest at an undisclosed site.
In AD 365, the northern coast of Egypt was struck by a tsunami caused by the 365 Crete earthquake, resulting in the port and any potential tomb site to be submerged.
Ongoing seismic activity and rising sea levels eventually led to the sinking and submergence of cities across the northern coastline near Alexandria, including Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus.
Martínez remains dedicated to finding Cleopatra, “I’m not going to stop.” Martínez is hopeful that she will find Cleopatra’s tomb. “For me,” she says, “it’s a matter of time.”
The discovery of the port will be featured in the upcoming National Geographic special Cleopatra’s Final Secret, airing September 25th on National Geographic and streaming the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Header Image Credit : National Geographic
Sources : National Geographic
