The Lost City Of Heracleion Discovered Deep Underwater After 1,200 Years

Long before the iconic city of Alexandria was founded in 331 BC, another thriving metropolis stood as the gateway to ancient Egypt— The Lost City Of Heracleion.

Known to the Egyptians as Thonis, this remarkable city was a hub of trade, religion, and culture, serving as the main port of entry for ships arriving from the Greek world. Its significance extended beyond commerce; it held deep religious importance as the home of the grand temple of Amun, a vital center for worship in ancient Egypt. Yet, despite its glory, the city’s fate was sealed by natural catastrophes that caused it to vanish beneath the waves, becoming a lost legend until its rediscovery nearly 2,000 years later.

Lost City Of Heracleion

Heracleion reached its zenith between the 6th and 4th centuries BC. Positioned strategically near the Canopic Mouth of the Nile, it served as a critical juncture for trade and diplomacy between Egypt and the wider Mediterranean world. Merchants from across the Greek world brought their goods to Heracleion’s bustling harbors, where Egyptian goods such as grain, papyrus, and precious artifacts were exchanged for olive oil, wine, and pottery.

Beyond trade, the city was revered for its religious importance. The grand temple of Amun, located within Heracleion, was a significant site for pilgrims and devotees. According to legend, this was where Herakles (known in Egyptian mythology as Khonsou, the son of Amun) first set foot in Egypt. The temple also played a role in the enthronement rituals of the pharaohs, symbolizing its integration into both the spiritual and political fabric of ancient Egypt.

A Sudden Catastrophe

Despite its prominence, Heracleion met a dramatic and catastrophic end. Historians and geologists believe the city succumbed to a series of natural disasters, including earthquakes, rising sea levels, and liquefaction of the Nile Delta’s unstable soil. By the 8th century AD, the once-thriving city had sunk beneath the Mediterranean Sea, its ruins buried under layers of sediment and water. Heracleion was largely forgotten, remembered only through scattered references in ancient texts by writers like Herodotus and Strabo.

The Incredible Rediscovery

For nearly two millennia, Heracleion was considered a myth—until the pioneering work of Franck Goddio and his team from the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM). In 2000, after years of research and collaboration with the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, Goddio made a groundbreaking discovery in the western part of Aboukir Bay, near Alexandria. Using advanced sonar technology and magnetometry, his team unearthed the submerged remains of Thonis-Heracleion within a research area spanning 11 by 15 kilometers.

Among the remarkable finds were colossal statues, including a stunning representation of the god Hapi, symbolizing abundance and fertility. Goddio’s team also uncovered a vast array of artifacts that revealed intimate details about the city’s daily life, including gold coins, weights used for trade, and ritual objects. The grand temple of Amun was located, along with smaller temples and religious structures, confirming the city’s role as a major spiritual center.

Solving a Historic Mystery

One of the most significant revelations of Goddio’s work was solving a long-standing enigma that had puzzled historians for centuries. Ancient texts mentioned both Heracleion and Thonis, but their exact relationship was unclear. Archaeological evidence gathered during the excavation revealed that they were not two separate cities but one and the same. The Greeks referred to it as Heracleion, while the Egyptians called it Thonis—a discovery that reshaped our understanding of ancient Egyptian and Greek interactions.

The god Hapi, which decorated the temple of Heracleion

The Treasures of Thonis-Heracleion

The ruins of Heracleion provide a vivid glimpse into life in this ancient city. The underwater site has yielded extraordinary relics, from massive temple columns to small household items, all remarkably preserved by the sea. Highlights include a giant red granite stele, decreeing tax regulations for the port, and exquisite jewelry that demonstrates the city’s wealth and craftsmanship. These finds illustrate the blend of Greek and Egyptian cultures, evident in the city’s art, architecture, and trade practices.

The harbor complex, once the lifeline of Heracleion, was found with shipwrecks still laden with goods. These discoveries highlight the city’s role as a commercial powerhouse, controlling all maritime traffic entering Egypt. The scale and complexity of the site underscore its importance not only to Egypt but to the entire Mediterranean world.

The stele of Heracleion (378-362 BC)

Colossal statue of red granite representing the god Hapi

Gold object engraved with a Greek text

Bronze statue of Osiris, the assassinated and resurrected king-god

Shallow dishes used throughout the Hellenistic world for drinking and pouring to a deity

Bronze oil lamp

The enormous statue is of red granite and measures over 5 metres

The Legacy of Heracleion

The rediscovery of Heracleion is more than just an archaeological triumph; it is a testament to the resilience of history and the power of modern technology to uncover the past. Franck Goddio’s meticulous work has not only brought an ancient city back into the light but also enriched our understanding of the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.

Today, the artifacts and stories of Thonis-Heracleion continue to captivate historians and the public alike. Exhibitions showcasing these treasures have traveled the world, inspiring awe and curiosity about the city that lay hidden beneath the waves. Heracleion reminds us of the fragility of human achievements in the face of nature and the enduring allure of the mysteries of the past.

With ongoing excavations and research, there is still much to learn from this lost city, offering a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of human history. If you thought that was cool check out the 800-Year-Old Knights Templar ‘Treasure Tunnels’ discovered under an Israeli City.

More info – Franck Goddio / image credits: Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation