Discovered in Egypt: Statues, Artifacts, and a Sphinx from the Submerged Ancient 'Revelry Hub' of Canopus by Archaeologists
In a remarkable milestone for Egypt's cultural heritage, the ancient city of Canopus, submerged off the coast of Alexandria, has been brought to light by divers and archaeologists. This discovery, marked by the lifting of three significant stone works on August 21, 2025, marks Egypt's first underwater operation of this nature in a quarter of a century.
The city, which thrived through trade and pilgrimage, acting as a gateway between Egypt and the wider Mediterranean world, was famed for its temple to Serapis. Canopus, along with its sister city Thonis-Heracleion, disappeared into the sea more than a millennium ago after a series of natural disasters.
The operation yielded monumental statues, architectural remains, and relics dating back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Among the recovered treasures are a quartzite sphinx, a granite colossus, and a white marble statue of a Roman nobleman. Some of these pieces bear inscriptions that may help clarify the names of donors or their specific functions in temple rituals.
Sherif Fathi, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, hailed the project as a "remarkable milestone" in Egypt's efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. Ahmed Khaled Hassan Said, Alexandria Governor, considered the discovery an archaeological breakthrough and a true revival of part of Egypt's great history.
The underwater excavations at Canopus are challenging due to murky waters and reduced visibility, requiring the use of advanced sonar and magnetometers. Experts believe earthquakes, rising sea levels, and soil liquefaction caused by the shifting Nile delta gradually sank parts of the coast, entombing Canopus beneath layers of silt until modern exploration brought it back to light.
Minister Fathi stated that only specific material is being brought up from the seabed, with the rest remaining part of Egypt's sunken heritage. This approach ensures the preservation of the statues in the seabed, allowing archaeologists to study stylistic details revealing the fusion of Hellenistic and Egyptian artistry.
The discovery of Canopus is part of Egypt's renewed efforts to promote underwater archaeology and expand tourism beyond land-based monuments. With its rich history and architectural grandeur, Canopus promises to be a significant attraction for archaeology enthusiasts and tourists alike.
