Amazing discovery in 2013

photo by Franck Goddio

Originally found in 2000,  an underwater excavation took place in June of 2013 out in Aboukir Bay, in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 150 feet under the waters. This was a combined effort of  Franck Goddio, archaeologist, and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology.

What was found was an entire civilization from about the 8th century BC that had been lost. The Egyptian city was called Heracleion. The city is also known as Thonis-Heracleion and only was previously known due to ancient text discovered on land. This city was a major marine time hub for trade in and out of Egypt.

Excavation is still taking place but thus far the discovery has been astounding. Ancient stones with inscription, 16 foot statues and smaller statues of major and minor gods, gold coins, 60 or more ships, and several hundred parts of others, jewelry and ceramics are among the findings.

The city had been submerged due to erosion and rising sea levels. The find will only help bring back to life a city that may have been completely lost in time if not for the discoveries.

New Discovery!

As of yesterday, November 13th, it was reported that two new statues were found in the area of Luxor in Egypt. The two statues dated back 3500 years.

This is another exciting and amazing discovery for the ministry of antiquities.

If you would like to read about it, go HERE.

Tomb of Egyptian Princess Found

The tomb of an ancient Egyptian princess has been discovered in bedrock south of the city of Cairo.

Archaeologists do not know why the tomb is near non-royal officials instead of at  Saqqara, where the royal family is buried.

The archaeologists found sections of a false door, which shows the name and the titles of the princess.

Her name was Sheretnebty. Her tomb is surrounded by several mastabas.

The research is being directed by Miroslav Barta. Barta is an Egyptologist who is from the Czech Institute of Egyptology which is part of the Charles University.

The discovery is important because the princess is part of the Fifth Dynasty. The Fifth Dynasty was the era in which the pyramid builders lived.

This is part of the Old Kingdom. During that part of Egyptian history, the capital was Memphis.

The necropolis of the Old Kingdom was Saqqara and is near the famed Step Pyramid.

This discovery opens a new chapter in the history of Abusir and Saqqara.