Is Cleopatra’s tomb underwater? Scientists discover sunken port that could lead to the legendary 'lost' grave

The queen’s grave might not be lost, after all!For centuries, the final resting place of Cleopatra VII, Egypt’s last pharaoh, has been one of history's greatest mysteries. Now, a groundbreaking discovery near Alexandria may bring us closer to solving it.An ancient port, submerged beneath the Mediterranean Sea, has been uncovered by a team of archaeologists and marine explorers. This find could hold the key to locating Cleopatra’s elusive tomb.

The groundbreaking discovery: Sunken port near Taposiris Magna

What did they find and where did they find ‘it’?The submerged port, located about 30 miles west of Alexandria near the ancient temple of Taposiris Magna, suggests that the queen and her lover, Mark Antony, may have been buried in this area after their defeat by Octavian.

This temple, dedicated to the god Osiris, has long been associated with Cleopatra and Mark Antony.The underwater excavations, which were led by archaeologist Kathleen Martínez, along with renowned marine explorer Bob Ballard, spent over two decades investigating the site. They believed that Cleopatra and Antony were buried here after their defeat by Octavian.The team discovered a series of structures beneath the Mediterranean Sea, including towering columns, amphorae (ancient storage jars), anchors, and a polished floor, indicating the presence of a bustling port city dating back to Cleopatra's reign.

Additionally, a submerged tunnel was found connecting the port to the temple, supporting the theory that the queen's body was transported secretly to this location for burial.

The significance of the discovery

This groundbreaking discovery aligns with Martínez's long-standing theory that Cleopatra and Mark Antony were buried near Taposiris Magna, a site associated with the goddess Isis, to whom Cleopatra was closely linked. In fact, the presence of a submerged tunnel leading from the temple to the port further supports this hypothesis, suggesting that the tomb may lie beneath the sea. But why does it matter now?The significance of this find extends beyond the potential location of Cleopatra's tomb. It not only offers valuable insights into the ancient Egyptian maritime infrastructure but also emphasizes the role of ports in trade and cultural exchange during the Ptolemaic period. The preservation of these underwater structures provides a unique opportunity to study ancient construction techniques and urban planning.

What’s ahead

The discovery is promising, sure. However, further excavations and research are needed to confirm the exact location of Cleopatra's tomb. The team plans to continue their investigations both on land and underwater, employing advanced technologies to explore the site more thoroughly.As of now, the findings have generated significant interest among historians, archaeologists, and the general public, reigniting fascination with one of history's most iconic figures. As researchers delve deeper into the mysteries of ancient Egypt, this discovery brings us one step closer to uncovering the secrets of Cleopatra's final resting place.