Lost for Millennia: Archaeologists Uncover Grand Military Harbor Swallowed by the Sea Near Cleopatra's Realm

A breathtaking archaeological revelation has unfolded off the coast of Egypt, where a team of intrepid underwater explorers has unearthed a vast military harbor, once a bustling hub of power and trade, now swallowed by the depths near the fabled ancient city of Thonis-Heracleion. This monumental discovery includes the remarkably preserved remains of a massive military vessel and a Greek funerary complex, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the maritime might of ancient Egypt during a pivotal era.

Led by the renowned Franck Goddio of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the excavation has brought to light an entirely unexpected section of the submerged city.

Thonis-Heracleion, historically Egypt's largest Mediterranean port for centuries before the rise of Alexandria, served as a crucial international trade nexus. Its strategic importance and eventual catastrophic sinking in the 8th century A.D., likely due to devastating earthquakes and tsunamis, have long captivated historians.

The newly discovered harbor lies within the city's eastern canal, near what was once the Temple of Amun.

The scale of the findings—particularly the substantial military ship with its unique design, featuring a flat bottom and rocker keel, ideal for navigating the Nile and the Mediterranean—challenges previous assumptions about Thonis-Heracleion's layout and its role as a military stronghold. This ship, along with numerous other vessels previously uncovered, paints a vivid picture of a bustling port capable of accommodating a large fleet.

Adding to the intrigue, the team also uncovered the remains of a grand tumulus, a type of burial mound, constructed for a Greek funerary complex.

This discovery, along with an abundance of pottery and coins dating from the Ptolemaic and Byzantine periods (spanning roughly 300 BC to 700 AD), underscores the significant presence of Greek mercenaries and traders within Thonis-Heracleion. These foreign influences were deeply interwoven with Egyptian society, especially during an era when Egypt, under the Ptolemaic dynasty, welcomed external military support and commercial ties.

The meticulous work of the IEASM, which has been systematically exploring Thonis-Heracleion since 2000, continues to redefine our understanding of this legendary city.

Each artifact, from the mundane pottery shards to the majestic shipwreck, contributes another piece to the complex puzzle of life in ancient Egypt's vibrant coastal regions. This latest finding not only highlights the city’s dual identity as a commercial and military powerhouse but also underscores the dramatic forces of nature that ultimately claimed it, preserving its secrets for millennia beneath the waves until now.