Is this statue really Cleopatra VII or someone else?
- A statue found under a temple wall in Taposiris Magna may represent Cleopatra VII, as suggested by archaeologist Kathleen Martinez.
- The excavation yielded 337 coins, many depicting Cleopatra VII, and various other artifacts indicating significant historical activity at the site.
- The statue's attribution to Cleopatra is disputed by other archaeologists who believe it may depict a different royal woman or princess.
In an archaeological excavation at Taposiris Magna, located in Egypt, a small statue of a woman believed to represent Cleopatra VII was discovered beneath a temple wall. Kathleen Martinez, leading the excavation, posits that the statue depicts the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty, who is known for her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Cleopatra VII ruled from 69 to 30 B.C., and the Ptolemaic dynasty had started in 305 B.C. under Ptolemy I Soter, one of Alexander the Great's generals. However, this claim faces skepticism from other archaeologists who suggest that the bust may represent a different royal woman or even a princess, emphasizing that the statue's origin may not be directly linked to Cleopatra VII. Adding to the intrigue are coins found nearby; a total of 337 coins were unearthed, many featuring the likeness of Cleopatra VII. These artifacts hint at the historical significance of the site and the activities that were likely common during Cleopatra's reign. The excavation also yielded a fragment of another bust depicting a king wearing a Nemes headdress, which furthers the narrative of a rich royal history at Taposiris Magna. Former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, Zahi Hawass, expressed skepticism regarding the attribution of the statue to Cleopatra, stating that it likely dates back to a period after her reign. He suggested that the artwork is instead reflective of the Roman period in Egypt, which began in 30 B.C. This period marked a significant transition for the region, as it went from being under Ptolemaic rule to becoming part of the Roman Empire. The find at Taposiris Magna thus adds to the existing debate about the artistic styles and cultural influences present during different periods in Egyptian history. Martinez and her team have been conducting excavations at Taposiris Magna for over a decade, revealing remains of temples, tombs, and tunnels that underscore the site's historical capacity for significant cultural and royal activities. Artifacts such as oil lamps, a bronze ring dedicated to the goddess Hathor, and amulets bearing engravings related to the sun god Ra were also found. These suggest that the site was a significant location for worship and rituals in ancient Egyptian culture. It is common practice in ancient Egypt to bury caches of artifacts before the construction of important structures, referred to as foundation deposits, further adding to the historical richness of findings at Taposiris Magna.