A newly discovered ancient port submerged off Egypt's Mediterranean coast is providing new clues in the two-decade search for the tomb of Queen Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony. This significant archaeological find, several miles offshore, was likely once part of the temple complex at Taposiris Magna, a site where archaeologist Kathleen Martinez believes Cleopatra's final resting place may be located.
The quest to find Cleopatra's tomb has captivated historians and archaeologists for centuries. Popular legend suggests she was buried with her lover, Mark Antony, near the royal palace in Alexandria. However, concrete evidence has remained elusive until now.
Key Takeaways
- An ancient submerged port has been discovered off Egypt's coast.
- This port is linked to the Taposiris Magna temple, a potential site for Cleopatra's tomb.
- Archaeologist Kathleen Martinez has led the 20-year search.
- The discovery strengthens the hypothesis that Cleopatra was buried in an Isis temple.
- Further underwater excavations are planned to explore the newly identified areas.
Decades-Long Search for a Queen's Burial Site
Kathleen Martinez, a National Geographic explorer, has dedicated two decades to proving her theory about Cleopatra's tomb. Her journey and the recent underwater discovery are featured in a new National Geographic documentary, "Cleopatra's Final Secret." Martinez, originally a criminal lawyer, approaches the search with a forensic mindset.
"I tried to understand her personality, who were her friends, who were her enemies," Martinez explained. "She was a strategist and she always had a Plan A and a Plan B."
Martinez believes Cleopatra, known for her strategic thinking, would have planned her death and burial with similar foresight. The theory suggests Cleopatra arranged for her body to be transported through secret tunnels to a hidden burial place. This approach considers the queen's known intelligence and desire to control her legacy.
Cleopatra's Symbolic Death and Burial
The legend of Cleopatra's death involves an asp, a type of cobra, smuggled to her in a basket of figs while she was imprisoned. Martinez questioned why Cleopatra would risk using a live snake when venom could have been delivered more discreetly. Her conclusion centers on symbolism.
Interesting Fact
The cobra was strongly associated with the goddess Isis in ancient Egyptian mythology. Cleopatra often identified herself as a living representation of Isis.
Martinez theorizes that Cleopatra chose the cobra for its connection to the goddess Isis. By dying from a cobra's bite, Cleopatra would have presented herself as dying as a goddess, not as a captive. This act would cement her image as a divine figure, transforming her death into a myth rather than a simple end to a prisoner's life.
"It was the symbolism," Martinez stated. "She was dying, but she was dying as Isis, as a goddess, not as a prisoner. And this is how she became a legend, a myth."
This perspective led Martinez to believe that Cleopatra would have chosen to be buried in a temple dedicated to Isis. Ancient writings, including those by Petrarch, support the idea that Cleopatra might have arranged for her and Mark Antony's bodies to rest in such a sacred location.
Taposiris Magna: A Prime Candidate
To narrow down potential sites, Martinez mapped ancient Alexandria, focusing on temples not far from Cleopatra's royal quarters. Taposiris Magna, located in Borg El Arab, about 30 miles west of Alexandria, stood out. Scholars had very little information about this temple: its builders, its function, or its dedication.
Background Information
Taposiris Magna is an ancient city founded by Pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus between 280 and 270 BC. Its name means "great tomb of Osiris." The site contains remnants of a temple and a lighthouse, suggesting its historical importance.
"That was a red light, not for the archaeologist, but for the lawyer in me," Martinez said, referring to the lack of information about Taposiris Magna. This ambiguity suggested a hidden significance. Her excavation work at the site began two decades ago.
Key Discoveries at Taposiris Magna
Over the years, Martinez's team has made several important findings. In 2006, they uncovered foundation plates that confirmed the temple was dedicated to Isis. They also found royal artifacts and numerous coins bearing Cleopatra's image. These discoveries strengthened Martinez's belief that she was on the correct path.
Last year, the team unearthed burial shafts containing mummies, a series of tunnels, and more artifacts. Among these was a finely carved head that Martinez believes depicts Cleopatra, although this identification requires further verification. One significant tunnel, measuring 4,300 feet (approximately 1,310 meters), extended directly towards the Mediterranean Sea.
This long tunnel suggested that a portion of the original temple complex might now be submerged underwater, potentially including Cleopatra's tomb. The idea of underwater structures became a central part of Martinez's hypothesis.
Enlisting Expert Help for Underwater Exploration
Exploring the open sea presented new challenges. Martinez, lacking experience in underwater archaeology, sought assistance. A team member suggested contacting Robert Ballard, the oceanographer famous for discovering the wreck of the HMS Titanic in 1985.
Ballard accepted the invitation to join the project. After visiting the site in Egypt, he confirmed his belief that Martinez was pursuing a promising lead. The Egyptian Navy also provided support, aiding the challenging underwater search efforts.
Key Figures
- Kathleen Martinez: Archaeologist and former lawyer, leading the 20-year search for Cleopatra's tomb.
- Robert Ballard: Renowned oceanographer, famous for discovering the Titanic wreck, now assisting the Taposiris Magna project.
Discovery of the Submerged Port
As the excavation season neared its end, divers made crucial findings. They located man-made stone pockets, which likely served as storage for fishing gear. This indicated that the area was once a shoreline during Cleopatra's era. Sonar scans revealed ancient relics on the seabed.
The scans showed colossal structures, some standing 20 feet (about 6 meters) high, arranged in rows. Divers also found several anchors and amphorae. The discovery of the first anchor caused excitement among the team. The 4,300-foot tunnel from the temple pointed directly towards this newly discovered submerged site.
Further underwater exploration uncovered a basalt base, possibly a pedestal for a statue, and three pillars, which the team named the "Three Sisters." These findings strongly suggest that Taposiris Magna was not only a significant religious center but also an important maritime trading hub.
Future Steps and Continued Search
With the area now mapped and five distinct zones showing clear signs of human activity identified, the next phase involves actual underwater excavations. This will be a major undertaking, as the ancient structures are buried under thousands of years of sediment. This sediment must be carefully removed to reveal what lies beneath.
Martinez is prepared for the challenge. She plans to begin with a feature known as "Salam 5," which consists of several tall, rectangular stone structures. While no definitive proof of Cleopatra's tomb has been found yet, Martinez remains confident.
"Nobody can tell me that Cleopatra is not at Taposiris Magna," Martinez told National Geographic. "To say that, you have to excavate the whole area and not find her. I'm not going to stop. For me, it is a matter of time."
The documentary "Cleopatra's Final Secret" premiered on September 25 on National Geographic and became available for streaming the following day on Disney+ and Hulu. The ongoing work at Taposiris Magna continues to offer a promising lead in one of history's most enduring mysteries.
