New discoveries at Taposiris Magna archaeological site in Alexandria reveal more of its secrets
Nevine El-Aref , Sunday 8 Dec 2024
The Egyptian Dominican archaeological mission, led by Archaeologist Kathleen Martinez of the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU), has unveiled discoveries at the temple complex of Taposiris Magna, west of Alexandria.
The Egyptian Dominican team's almost two decades of meticulous work have significantly contributed to understanding this ancient site.
One of the most signal finds includes a foundation deposit unearthed on the southern side of the temple's enclosure wall.
This deposit contained a wealth of ceremonial and religious artefacts, including miniature pottery jars, oil lamps, marble and quartzite fragments, bronze figurines, iron tools, beads, glass vessels, and a scarab amulet inscribed with the phrase "The justice of Ra has arisen."
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), said that among the unearthed artefacts are two statuettes that drew particular attention. The first is a white marble statuette of a royal woman wearing a diadem braided in the distinctive "melon" hairstyle. Martinez believes the statuette depicts Queen Cleopatra VII.
The second statuette is a limestone bust of a king wearing the Nemes headdress, suggesting links to the late Ptolemaic Period.
"However, this theory has sparked scholarly debate. Experts argue that the facial features of the marble statuette differ significantly from known representations of Cleopatra VII, casting doubt on this identification," said Khaled.
Further discoveries at the site include 337 coins, some portraying Cleopatra VII, and ceramics from the late Ptolemaic Period, which chronologically frame the temple's construction to the first century BCE.
Moreover, the team has uncovered the remains of a Greek temple dating back to the fourth century BCE, located near a 25-metre-deep tunnel complex extending from Lake Mariout to the Mediterranean Sea. Studies show the temple was destroyed between the 2nd century BCE and the early Roman period.
Martinez reports that a large cemetery with 20 catacombs was also unearthed, along with an underground tomb beneath the ancient lighthouse of Taposiris Magna. The tomb consists of three chambers, one containing nine white marble busts and other artefacts.
The expedition's discoveries extend beyond the land. Part of the Taposiris Magna complex is submerged underwater in the Mediterranean Sea. A team led by Robert Ballard, renowned for locating the Titanic shipwreck, is investigating this underwater area, revealing man-made structures, human remains, and a trove of pottery.
"These findings underscore the historical and cultural significance of the site," Martinez pointed out.
She also emphasized the importance of the foundation deposits and sacred artefacts, asserting that they strengthen the connection between Taposiris Magna and Cleopatra V. She believes these findings could provide fresh insights into the queen's life and death.
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