The ancient city of Heracleion, home of Cleopatra’s inauguration, was thought to be myth, such as the lost city of Atlantis, until underwater archaeologist Dr Frank Goddio unexpectedly came across its ruin in 2001.
Findings of extraordinary wealth were discovered after removing settlement from over 1,200 years ago. More than 64 ships (largest number of ancient ships to have ever been found in one place), 700 anchors, and gold coins and weights made from bronze and stone were some of the treasures, the abundance painting a picture of what is thought to have been the Mediterranean trading hub in its time.
Other historical and well-preserved treasures include many giant, 16 ft statues on the ocean floor, stone blocks with both ancient Greek and Egyptian inscriptions, and dozens of sarcophagi with mummified animals for sacrifice to Amun-Gereb.
Now, after more than a decade of excavation, researchers have been able to create a map depicting the city in its glory days more than 1,000 years ago. With further study on the late Egyptian period findings, better insight into cultures past will continue to be unearthed.
WATCH: Colossal Sunken Statues Of Thonis-Heracleion
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