More than 60 ancient ships and over 700 anchors have been discovered on the seabed of the lost Egyptian city of Thonis-Heracleion, one of the most remarkable underwater archaeological sites in the world.
In 2000, after two years of exploration, a Franco-Egyptian team of underwater archaeologists led by Franck Goddio discovered the long-lost city of Thonis-Heracleion beneath the waters of Abu Qir Bay in Egypt’s Nile Delta.
Thonis was the city’s ancient Egyptian name, while Heracleion was the name given to it by the Greeks. Before the founding of Alexandria, it served as Egypt’s principal Mediterranean port and a major gateway for international trade. The city is believed to have gradually sunk beneath the sea following a series of earthquakes, ground liquefaction events, and rising sea levels more than a thousand years ago.
During the first millennium BC, Thonis-Heracleion functioned as Egypt’s main port of entry. Merchant vessels arriving from across the Mediterranean unloaded their cargoes here, paid customs duties, and then continued their journey inland via the Nile.
Reflecting on the discoveries, Franck Goddio stated:
“The discoveries made at Thonis-Heracleion since 2000, thanks to the work of a multidisciplinary team and the support of the Hilti Foundation, are very encouraging. The layout of the ancient city, with its ports, canals, and monuments, is gradually taking shape, and every year more valuable information is obtained.”
The remains of the ancient city have been found up to 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) from today’s coastline. Archaeologists are currently studying 64 Egyptian ships dating from between the 8th and 2nd centuries BC. Many of these vessels appear to have been deliberately sunk and are exceptionally well preserved beneath the mud of the seabed.
Researchers have also identified more than 700 ancient anchors, potentially representing the largest collection of ancient nautical equipment ever discovered.
Damian Robinson, Director of the Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology, explained:
“The study has revealed a vast submerged landscape that includes the remains of at least two important ancient settlements situated within a network of natural and artificial waterways in the Nile Delta.”
One of the most intriguing questions concerns the presence of several ship graveyards near the port. “Ship 43” appears to belong to a larger group of at least ten vessels discovered about one mile from a branch of the Nile.
Researchers have suggested that these ships may have been intentionally scuttled to block hostile vessels from entering the harbor. However, other explanations remain possible, and further research is needed to understand their purpose.
The Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology has collaborated on the project with the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology and Egyptian authorities.
In addition to ships and anchors, archaeologists have recovered more than 300 statuettes and amulets from the late Hellenistic Period. Many depict Egyptian deities, including Osiris, Isis, and Horus.
According to researcher Sanda Heinz, these objects were mass-produced on a scale rarely seen before in ancient Egypt. The discoveries suggest that they were primarily intended for Egyptian worshippers, although some may have been purchased by foreign visitors and carried to sanctuaries elsewhere in the Mediterranean world.
