Dubai, United Arab Emirates – In what is considered the most important archaeological discovery in modern Egyptian history, Egyptian authorities announced the discovery of large parts of a sunken Roman city off the coast of Abu Qir, east of Alexandria. The city is believed to be an extension of the historic city of Canopus. This city was a center of government in ancient Egypt. This astonishing discovery brings to mind stories of lost cities, and some call it the “Atlantis of Egypt.”
This city was submerged beneath the waves of the Mediterranean Sea more than two thousand years ago. This was a result of a series of devastating earthquakes and rising sea levels over the ages. These catastrophic events dragged entire cities into the depths. They transformed them into silent underwater archaeological sites.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism, the discovered city includes ancient buildings, temples, water cisterns, and authentic treasures. These reflect daily and commercial life during that era. The treasures include a merchant ship carrying large quantities of walnuts and almonds, and royal statues. Among these, the most surprising was a sphinx dating back to King Ramses II. This raises questions about the Pharaonic influence in the region extending into the Roman era. In addition, ancient anchors confirm the presence of a major port at the site. This discovery serves as a reminder of the danger Alexandria continues to face. The United Nations predicts that a third of the city could be submerged by 2050 due to climate change.
