Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could finally solve one of history's greatest mysteries: the location of Cleopatra's tomb. A team led by Dominican archaeologist Dr. Kathleen Martinez, in collaboration with renowned marine explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, has uncovered a submerged ancient port off the Egyptian coast near Taposiris Magna. This remarkable find suggests the temple complex was far more significant during Cleopatra's reign than previously understood.
The discovery represents the culmination of nearly two decades of archaeological investigation at Taposiris Magna, a temple site approximately 30 miles (48 km) west of Alexandria. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the findings, which confirm the existence of an ancient harbor that was directly connected to the temple complex through an underwater tunnel system.
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The ancient temple complex at Taposiris Magna, showing the impressive stone architecture that has survived for over two millennia. (Einsamer Schütze/CC BY-SA 3.0)
Revolutionary Archaeological Evidence
The underwater survey, conducted using advanced sonar mapping technology, revealed massive stone structures arranged in systematic rows beneath the Mediterranean Sea. Dr. Ballard's team discovered stone and metal anchors of various sizes, numerous amphorae dating to the Ptolemaic era, and what appears to be a highly polished floor among the submerged ruins explains National Geographic.
Marine archaeologist surveying the huge underwater structures at Taposiris Magna. (Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities)
The geological and archaeological survey showed that the ancient coastline was located approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) inland from the current shore. This dramatic change in geography suggests that significant seismic activity over the centuries caused substantial portions of the ancient port to sink beneath the waves. Historical records indicate that at least 23 earthquakes struck the Egyptian coast between 320 and 1303 AD.
Dr. Martinez described the moment of discovery with profound excitement:
"This is one of those moments when you feel so alive. After 2,000 years nobody has ever been there. We are the first ones."
The underwater exploration revealed structures that Martinez believes may have been used to transport Cleopatra's remains to their final resting place within the temple complex.
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Artifacts found underwater at the Taposiris Magna site. (Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities)
Connected Network of Ancient Passages
The underwater port discovery connects directly to the 4,300-foot tunnel that Martinez's team previously uncovered in 2022. This remarkable passageway, located 40 feet underground and partially flooded with seawater, extends from the temple toward the Mediterranean. Inside the tunnel, archaeologists found ceramic jars and pottery from the Ptolemaic period, providing crucial dating evidence.
The research also revealed an extension of this tunnel system reaching an area designated as "Salam 5," where divers discovered artifacts supporting the theory of ancient maritime activity. Among the most significant finds were rectangular stone structures arranged in systematic patterns, basalt pedestals resembling those found at the temple, and a formation dubbed the "Three Sisters" - three pillars arranged in close proximity.
Mr. Sharif Fathi, Egypt's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized the historical significance:
"This discovery reflects the historical and maritime depth of ancient Egypt, emphasizing that its coasts were not just urban centers, but strategic hubs for trade and cultural communication with the ancient world" records the Daily Mail.
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Cleopatra's Strategic Maritime Legacy
The newly discovered port provides compelling evidence that Taposiris Magna served as a major maritime trading hub during Cleopatra's reign from 51 to 30 BC. This finding aligns with historical accounts of Cleopatra's sophisticated naval operations and her strategic use of Egypt's Mediterranean connections for both political and economic purposes.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of Egypt's Supreme Archaeological Council, noted that ancient sources had never mentioned this particular port, making the discovery even more significant. The evidence suggests the harbor was protected by natural reefs and featured sophisticated infrastructure for ancient shipping operations.
Previous excavations at Taposiris Magna have yielded over 2,600 artifacts, including 337 coins bearing Cleopatra's image, bronze statues, oil lamps, and ceremonial objects. The temple's foundation deposits revealed inscriptions in both Greek and hieroglyphics dedicating the structure to the goddess Isis - a deity with whom Cleopatra closely identified herself.
Ancient coins discovered at Taposiris Magna bearing the image of Cleopatra VII, along with a marble statue believed to represent the legendary queen. (Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
Martinez's theory suggests that rather than submit to Roman captivity after her defeat at the Battle of Actium, Cleopatra orchestrated an elaborate plan to hide her body alongside Mark Antony's in a location the Romans would never consider searching. The queen's connection to Isis worship and the temple's dedication to the goddess support this hypothesis.
The collaborative research continues with planned underwater excavations focusing on the "Salam 5" area using specialized drilling equipment and diving teams. Dr. Ballard has created detailed technological maps covering approximately six miles of underwater terrain, providing a comprehensive guide for future exploration efforts.
Dr. Martinez remains unwavering in her conviction: "Nobody can tell me that Cleopatra is not at Taposiris Magna. To say that you have to excavate the whole area and not find her." With this latest discovery adding substantial evidence to her two-decade search, the mystery of Cleopatra's final resting place may finally be approaching resolution.
Top image: Divers exploring the submerged ancient structures off the coast of Taposiris Magna during the recent underwater archaeological survey conducted by Dr. Kathleen Martinez and Dr. Robert Ballard's team. Source: National Geographic
By Gary Manners
References
Hayasaki, E. 2025. Ancient port from Cleopatra's time found underwater in Egypt. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/cleopatra-tomb-port-taposiris-magna
Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. 2025. The discovery of archaeological evidence confirms the existence of an ancient port flooded with water in the area of the Tapozeris Magna temple in Alexandria. Available at: https://www.facebook.com/100064812882317/posts/1342570177913399/
Various. 2025. Is Cleopatra's tomb UNDERWATER? Scientists discover sunken port near the ruins of Taposiris Magna. Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15114013/The-sunken-port-lead-Cleopatras-lost-tomb.html
