Ancient Artefacts Unearthed in Egypt

On Thursday, Egyptian archaeologists recovered statues and artefacts that are around 2,000 years old from the Mediterranean, as reported by a Greek journalist.

Divers and crane operators brought up various royal statues, sphinxes, and sculpted figures that had rested on the seabed for centuries. These items are believed to be from the ancient city of Canopus, located in the Bay of Abukir close to Alexandria. Experts indicate that Canopus was a significant center during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, according to the report.

The excavation team found a sphinx that still has remnants of Ramses II’s cartouche, a headless granite sculpture dating back to the Ptolemaic era, and the lower part of a marble figure representing a Roman noble.

“The artefacts reflect various historical periods that date back to the Ptolemaic era,” stated Mohamed Ismail, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Egyptian Antiquities. Over the years, many items have suffered damage from the sea, the report noted.

In addition to statues, researchers uncovered a limestone structure that included worship spaces, residential areas, and commercial zones. They also identified reservoirs and stone ponds used by ancient inhabitants for water storage and fish farming. The findings included remains of merchant ships, stone anchors, and portions of harbor cranes located near a 410-foot dock.

Tourism Minister Sherif Faty commented on the effort, mentioning that while a significant amount of artefacts exist underwater, regulations limit what can be brought to the surface. He emphasized that many ruins are still submerged, asserting, “The rest will continue to be part of our sunken legacy.”

According to reports, the crane operation, which hoisted a large sculpture from the shallow depths, drew a crowd of onlookers who came to witness the discovery of these ancient treasures.