Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com - Archaeologists working at the Taposiris Magna temple complex, located west of Alexandria, have made noteworthy discoveries. The Egyptian Dominican archaeological mission, led by Archaeologist Kathleen Martinez from the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU), has been investigating this site for nearly two decades. Their efforts have significantly enhanced our understanding of this ancient location.
Scarab With The Inscription "The Justice Of Ra Has Risen"
In recent excavations, the team uncovered a foundation deposit on the southern side of the temple's enclosure wall. This deposit contained an array of ceremonial and religious artifacts such as miniature pottery jars, oil lamps, marble and quartzite fragments, bronze figurines, iron tools, beads, glass vessels, and a scarab amulet inscribed with "The justice of Ra has arisen."
Is This The Face Of Queen Cleopatra VII?
Among these findings are two particularly intriguing artifacts that have garnered significant attention. The first is a white marble statuette depicting a royal woman adorned with a diadem in the distinctive "melon" hairstyle; Martinez suggests it may represent Queen Cleopatra VII. The second is a limestone bust portraying a king wearing the Nemes headdress, indicating possible connections to the late Ptolemaic Period.
Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
"However, this theory has sparked scholarly debate. Experts argue that the facial features of the marble statuette differ significantly from known representations of Cleopatra VII, casting doubt on this identification," Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), said in a press statement.
Recent discoveries at the archaeological site have lao yielded 337 coins, some depicting Cleopatra VII, and ceramics from the late Ptolemaic Period. These findings help date the temple's construction to the first century B.C. Additionally, researchers have uncovered a Greek temple from the fourth century B.C. near a complex of tunnels extending 25 meters deep from Lake Mariout to the Mediterranean Sea. Evidence suggests this temple was destroyed between the 2nd century B.C. and early Roman times.
Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Archaeologist Martinez reports that a large cemetery with 20 catacombs has been found, along with an underground tomb beneath Taposiris Magna's ancient lighthouse. This tomb features three chambers, one of which contains nine white marble busts and various artifacts.
Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
The expedition's scope also includes underwater exploration. Part of Taposiris Magna lies submerged in the Mediterranean Sea. A team led by Robert Ballard, famous for discovering the Titanic shipwreck, is exploring this area and has identified man-made structures, human remains, and numerous pottery pieces beneath the waves.
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"These findings underscore the historical and cultural significance of the site," Martinez pointed out.
She highlighted the significance of the foundation deposits and sacred artifacts, noting that they reinforce the link between Taposiris Magna and Cleopatra V. She asserts that these discoveries can offer new perspectives on the life and death of the queen.
Written by Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com Staff Writer
