Archaeologists in Egypt working west of Alexandria have uncovered evidence of a submerged port and an associated tunnel once connecting the ancient Taposiris Magna Temple to the sea, a site long rumored by many to possibly hold the tomb of Cleopatra.
Previous discoveries—including coins, gilded mummies, and objects bearing Cleopatra’s image—add weight to this connection, while the new findings shed further light on the settlement.
The Dominican mission, led by Dr. Kathleen Martinez of the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Ureña, announced the discovery in collaboration with Dr. Robert Ballard, founder and CEO of the Ocean Exploration Trust.
Ancient harbor uncovered
A joint geological and archaeological survey confirmed the remains of an inner harbor protected by coral reefs. The study was carried out with Dr. Larry Mayer of the University of New Hampshire, the Egyptian Navy’s Hydrographic Department, and the Underwater Antiquities Department of the Supreme Council of Antiquities.
Researchers uncovered stone and metal anchors in various sizes and numerous amphorae dating to the Ptolemaic period. Bathymetric and sedimentological analysis also showed that the ancient shoreline lay about four kilometers inland compared with today’s coast.
The study traced the extension of a tunnel linking the Taposiris Magna Temple to the sea. Divers followed the passage to an area known as Salam 5, where they uncovered remains pointing to active maritime use.
Expanding the site’s history
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated the discovery marks a significant contribution to maritime archaeology. Ancient sources never mentioned a port at Taposiris Magna, making the find especially valuable.
Dr. Martinez added that the results open a new chapter in studying the site and confirmed that the mission will continue its work to uncover more of its hidden history. She has led excavations at Taposiris Magna since 2002 in search of Cleopatra’s tomb
Over the years, the mission has also uncovered 27 tombs containing 10 mummies, two of them gilded, suggesting burials of high status.
Previous discoveries at the site
The mission has been active at Taposiris Magna for several years. In earlier excavations, archaeologists uncovered foundation deposits beneath the southern wall of the outer enclosure. These included ritual objects and funerary items that offered insight into the temple’s role during the late Ptolemaic period.
#AncientEgypt by train starts tonight, on @channel4! travel to meet people still actively investigating Egypt's rich archaeology. Tonight, I travel to the incredible temple site of Taposiris Magna and meet Kathleen Martinez – who thinks she knows where Cleopatra is buried… pic.twitter.com/WMyCt5SUvH
— Prof Alice Roberts💙 (@theAliceRoberts) June 3, 2023
The team also unearthed 337 coins, many of which bear the image of Queen Cleopatra VII, as well as ritual pottery, oil lamps, and limestone vessels once used for storage. Researchers also identified bronze statues, a bronze ring dedicated to the goddess Hathor, and a scarab amulet inscribed with the phrase “The justice of Ra shines.”
Fragments of pottery confirmed that the temple walls were built in the 1st century BC. Archaeologists also identified remains of an earlier Greek-era temple dating back to the 4th century BC, which was later destroyed between the 2nd century BC and the early Roman era.
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