Egyptian divers have successfully retrieved several ancient artifacts from the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Alexandria on August 21, 2025. This operation, the first of its kind in 25 years, has brought to light historical remnants submerged for over two millennia.
The recovered treasures include a monumental quartzite sphinx bearing the cartouche of King Ramesses II, a granite statue from the late Ptolemaic era, and a white marble statue of a Roman nobleman. These pieces were carefully lifted from the seabed at Abu Qir Bay, an area believed to be an extension of the ancient city of Canopus.
Canopus was a significant center during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods before being lost to the sea due to earthquakes and rising sea levels. The discovery also revealed limestone structures, reservoirs, and rock-carved ponds, offering insights into urban life, worship, and aquaculture.
Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathi, stated that only specific materials are retrieved according to strict criteria, preserving the rest as underwater heritage. This operation is part of a national project to develop Abu Qir Bay and uncover its secrets. The unearthed artifacts are slated for display at the Alexandria National Museum, providing visitors with a connection to the daily lives and customs of ancient Egyptians during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Further exploration of Abu Qir Bay continues, as the site has yielded numerous other discoveries, including shipwrecks from Napoleon's fleet, highlighting the bay's multi-layered historical significance. The Alexandria National Museum will house these newly recovered pieces, enriching its collection.