Archaeologists have discovered a collection of artifacts from an ancient sunken city, approximately 2,000 years old, located off the coast of Egypt. Among these findings is an item bearing the name of a pharaoh mentioned in the Bible.

The seabed exploration at Abu Qir Bay uncovered statues, the remains of houses, temples, craftsmen’s workshops, and fish ponds, providing evidence that this site was once a bustling city.

One notable discovery was a large quartzite sphinx, which featured the cartouche of Ramses II. Some scholars consider him to be the pharaoh associated with the biblical tale of Exodus, where Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt.

A granite colossus of an unidentified Ptolemaic-era man and a white marble statue of a Roman nobleman, as well as artisan workshops, rock-cut reservoirs, and fish ponds, were also uncovered. 

Researchers also mapped a merchant ship, clusters of stone anchors, and the base of a harbor crane, shedding light on the bustling activity that once took place along the Canopic branch of the Nile. 

Egyptian officials suggest that the site may have been part of the long-lost seaport of Canopus, a major hub of trade, religion and luxury during Egypt’s Ptolemaic dynasty and Roman Empire.

The Ptolemaic era lasted for nearly 300 years and was followed by Roman rule, which lasted for around 600 years. 

Over time, earthquakes and rising seas gradually swallowed the metropolis beneath the Mediterranean, leaving its treasures preserved underwater for millennia.

Egypt’s tourism and antiquities minister Sherif Fath said: ‘There’s a lot underwater, but what we’re able to bring up is limited, it’s only specific material according to strict criteria. 

‘The rest will remain part of our sunken heritage.’ 

The colossal sphinx, with its royal cartouche, not only identifies Ramses II but also provides fresh insights into the craftsmanship and techniques of royal statuary during his reign in the 13th century BC. 

Ramses II, famed for his monumental statues and military exploits, is widely believed by historians and popular culture to have been the pharaoh who enslaved the Israelites in the biblical Exodus story.

According to the biblical narrative, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, parting the Red Sea and guiding them to the Promised Land. 

While the story is steeped in legend, the discovery of a sphinx bearing Ramses II’s name adds a tangible connection to this ancient history.

The Abu Qir excavation, Egypt’s first major underwater operation in 25 years, underscores the country’s ongoing commitment to protecting its unique cultural heritage while providing a rare glimpse into the grandeur of its submerged cities. 

Fathy hailed the operation as a ‘remarkable milestone’ in Egypt’s efforts to safeguard its unique cultural heritage. 

Canopus was an important ancient Egyptian city and seaport located near the western Nile Delta, just east of modern Alexandria.

The city’s harbor and river channels supported commerce with Greece, Rome and the wider Mediterranean, handling goods such as grain, pottery and luxury items. 

Canopus was also renowned for its temples, religious festivals and entertainment, and it housed a temple dedicated to the god Osiris.

Osiris is the ancient Egyptian god of the underworld, death, rebirth and agriculture. 

Under Roman rule, the city became a retreat for wealthy citizens and rulers, known for its gardens, luxury villas and grand architecture. 

However, Canopus gradually declined due to earthquakes, tsunamis and rising sea levels. 

By the end of the 2nd century BC, parts of the city were destroyed by liquefaction, and over time, much of it sank beneath the Mediterranean, while other sections were buried under sediment near Abu Qir Bay.