Ancient artifacts uncovered from sunken city near Alexandria

Recently, a significant archaeological discovery occurred off the coast of Egypt, where divers and archaeologists successfully retrieved ancient artifacts from Abu Qir Bay. These treasures, believed to be from over 2,000 years ago, include various relics such as a large quartz sphinx and Roman coins. The site is thought to be linked to the ancient city of Canopus, a prominent urban center during the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Mohamed Ismail, the secretary general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, reported that these objects were likely disturbed due to natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis, which could have submerged the city and its nearby areas. Consequently, the statues recovered were found missing heads and feet, indicating the significant impact of such calamities on the region’s ancient history. Modern Alexandria, located in close proximity to these findings, is undergoing challenges due to rising sea levels, threatening to render substantial portions of the city uninhabitable by 2050. This ongoing archaeological effort underscores the rich historical context that Alexandria holds but also highlights the urgent need to preserve its remaining cultural heritage amid environmental threats. Earlier this year, additional findings included a 3,000-year-old mining complex, showcasing Egypt's wealth of untapped archaeological sites, which narrate stories from millennia past. Such discoveries prompt a greater interest in the ancient civilizations that once thrived along these shores and pave the way for further investigations into the region’s complex history.