Heracleion, also known as Thonis, was an ancient Egyptian port city located near the Canopic Mouth of the Nile, about 32 kilometers northeast of Alexandria. Once a bustling hub of commerce and culture, Heracleion thrived between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, serving as a major gateway for trade between Egypt and the Mediterranean world. The city was renowned for its grand temples, including a massive temple dedicated to the god Amun-Gereb. However, due to a combination of natural disasters, including earthquakes and rising sea levels, Heracleion gradually sank into the Mediterranean Sea and was lost to history. It remained submerged and forgotten until its rediscovery in 2000 by French underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio. The excavation revealed a treasure trove of artifacts, including colossal statues, gold coins, and well-preserved ships, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s glorious past. Today, Heracleion’s underwater ruins continue to captivate archaeologists and historians, shedding light on a once-great city that lay hidden beneath the waves for centuries.
Image: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Source Homevior.in
