Egypt Recovers 2,000-Year-Old Sunken Artefacts Off Alexandria Coast

Egyptian authorities have successfully retrieved significant artifacts from a sunken city off the coast of Alexandria in Abu Qir Bay, believed to be an extension of the ancient city of Canopus. The finds include a colossal quartzite sphinx bearing the cartouche of King Ramesses II, a broken granite statue from the late Ptolemaic period, and a white marble statue of a Roman nobleman, alongside other statues and remains of buildings, docks, and fish farms. This site, submerged due to earthquakes and rising sea levels, contains structures from both the Ptolemaic and Roman eras, highlighting Canopus's historical importance as a religious and commercial center. Egyptian officials emphasized that due to UNESCO conventions, only select items have been retrieved to avoid damage, with much of the underwater heritage remaining preserved in situ. The discoveries underscore the need for ongoing underwater exploration and raise awareness about protecting submerged archaeological sites from environmental threats such as climate change. This major archaeological achievement marks the first such recovery in 25 years and offers valuable insights into Egypt's ancient civilizations.