The Egyptian-Dominican archaeological mission, led by Dr. Kathleen Martínez in collaboration with the National University Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU), has made new discoveries at the Temple of Taposiris Magna, located west of Alexandria.
Among the most notable findings are foundation deposits beneath the southern wall of the enclosure, containing artifacts and ceremonial objects that shed new light on the history of the late Ptolemaic period.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, highlighted two key pieces: a small white marble statue representing a woman wearing the royal diadem. While Dr. Martínez suggests it might represent Cleopatra VII, other archaeologists point out differences in facial features that suggest it could depict another royal woman. Also uncovered was a limestone bust of a king adorned with the Nemes, the ceremonial headdress of the pharaohs.
Additionally, 337 coins were found, many of which bear the image of Cleopatra VII, along with ceremonial pottery vessels, oil lamps, bronze statuettes, a limestone cosmetic container, a scarab amulet inscribed with The justice of Ra has arisen, and a bronze ring dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Ceramic fragments also confirmed that the construction of the temple dates to the 1st century BCE.
The mission also uncovered the remains of a Greek temple from the 4th century BCE, destroyed between the 2nd century BCE and the early Roman period. This temple is connected to a complex system of deep tunnels that extend from Lake Mariout to the Mediterranean Sea.
Nearby, a large necropolis with 20 catacombs and an underground tomb beneath the ancient lighthouse of Taposiris Magna was found. The latter contained three chambers, one of which housed nine white marble busts and other artifacts.
Initial excavation work in the site’s submerged sections has revealed man-made structures, human remains, and large quantities of pottery.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has described these discoveries as crucial for a better understanding of the architectural, cultural, and ceremonial practices of the time.
The mission will continue its explorations in hopes of uncovering more secrets of the Temple of Taposiris Magna and its possible connection to the reign of Cleopatra VII.
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