Beneath the waves of the Mediterranean near Alexandria lies a mesmerizing world waiting to be unveiled – Egypt’s sunken treasures. In a city that once stood as a testament to the grandeur of antiquity, the remnants of temples, palaces, colonnades, and statues now rest silently on the ocean floor, untouched and unseen for centuries.
Picture the bustling metropolis of ancient Alexandria, adorned with a 130-meter-high lighthouse, a marvel counted among the ancient wonders of the world. Its streets lined with grandeur, the city boasted a colossal library with nearly half a million papyrus rolls, a royal quarter where the likes of Julius Caesar, Marcus Antonius, and Cleopatra once reveled in luxury, and a port area filled with magnificent structures.
However, devastating natural disasters eventually sent these wonders plunging into the sea, where they lay hidden until the dawn of marine archaeology. Enter Franck Goddio, a marine archaeologist whose expeditions off the coast of modern-day Alexandria and in the Bay of Abukir unearthed an astonishing array of artifacts spanning from 700 BC to 800 AD.
Dive into the depths, and you’ll encounter monumental statues, coins, jewelry, and cult devices, each a silent witness to the rich tapestry of Egyptian history. Among these treasures, the discovery of the “Palace of Cleopatra” by a team of French diving archaeologists in the 1990s stands as a highlight, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the legendary queen’s residence.
One of the most remarkable finds, the city of Héracleion, emerged virtually intact in 2000 in Aboukir Bay. Here, you can explore palace foundations, statues, sphinxes, granite columns, and the eerie remnants of sunken boats, all frozen in time since their discovery.
For those seeking a firsthand encounter with this submerged kingdom, a unique underwater museum awaits in Alexandria. Opened in 2003, this diving center invites tourists to witness the “underwater treasures” up close. Imagine a tour through the eastern harbor of Alexandria, showcasing Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, Greco-Roman, and Islamic works of art. Professional guides accompany visitors, offering a rare opportunity to marvel at these ancient wonders from a proximity of 5-10 meters.
A true highlight of this underwater odyssey is the chance to explore the “Palace of Cleopatra,” where history comes alive beneath the waves. So, if you’re ready for a dive into the depths of Alexandria’s past, strap on your fins, and let the submerged wonders of Egypt enchant you in a way that only the ocean’s embrace can.”