In a landmark underwater operation, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has successfully retrieved three monumental artifacts from the Mediterranean Sea off Abu Qir Bay in Alexandria governorate—marking the country’s most significant maritime recovery in over two decades.
The operation, led by divers from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), unveiled a trio of relics spanning millennia:
- A colossal quartzite sphinx bearing the cartouche of Pharaoh Ramesses II (1279–1213 BC)
- A granite statue from the late Ptolemaic era (332–30 BC), broken at the neck and knees
- A white marble sculpture of a Roman nobleman
“This is the first recovery of its kind in 25 years,” said Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, speaking to Xinhua at the site. “It’s a pivotal moment in our national project to develop Abu Qir Bay and unlock its submerged history.”
The artifacts were discovered amid a broader underwater survey that revealed fixed and movable structures long hidden beneath the sea—likely submerged due to ancient geological shifts or seismic activity. Khaled confirmed that the site represents a complete Roman-era city, featuring temples, cisterns, fish farms, and port infrastructure.
“This western section appears to be an extension of the famous city of Canopus,” Khaled explained. “We’ve previously uncovered parts of Canopus to the east, but this discovery expands our understanding of its reach and complexity.”
Canopus, once a thriving coastal metropolis, was renowned for its sacred sanctuaries dedicated to Osiris and Serapis and for its lavish Roman-era festivities. The Ministry emphasized that the site’s cultural and historical value makes it one of the most important archaeological zones in the Mediterranean.
The Ministry confirmed that underwater exploration will continue, with hopes of uncovering more relics and architectural remnants. The Abu Qir Bay project is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to revitalize its archaeological heritage and promote sustainable tourism.
“This is not just about recovery—it’s about rediscovery,” Khaled said. “We’re piecing together a forgotten chapter of Mediterranean history.”
The retrieved artifacts will undergo conservation before being displayed in Alexandria’s national museums, offering both Egyptians and global visitors a rare glimpse into the grandeur of ancient civilizations that once thrived beneath the waves.
