In a landmark archaeological achievement, Egypt has successfully recovered three monumental statues from the Mediterranean seabed of Abu Qir Bay, marking the country's first major underwater recovery operation in 25 years. The extraordinary find includes a massive quartzite sphinx bearing the cartouche of Ramses II, a granite colossus from the late Ptolemaic era, and a pristine white marble statue of a Roman nobleman, offering unprecedented insights into Egypt's submerged ancient civilizations.
The historic operation was witnessed by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, Alexandria Governor Ahmed Khaled Hassan Said, military commanders, and international media, emphasizing the global significance of this underwater archaeological milestone. The artifacts emerge from what experts believe are the remains of an extension of the famous ancient city of Canopus, part of the broader Thonis-Heracleion complex that once dominated Mediterranean trade routes.
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Monuments from the Depths: A Pharaoh's Legacy Preserved
The centerpiece of the recovery is a magnificent quartzite sphinx inscribed with the royal cartouche of Ramses II, one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs who ruled during the 19th Dynasty (1279-1213 BC). This colossal artifact represents a direct link to the height of ancient Egyptian imperial power, when Ramses II's monuments dominated the Nile Valley and established Egyptian influence throughout the eastern Mediterranean.
"This remarkable milestone reaffirms Egypt's commitment to safeguarding its unique cultural heritage," declared Minister Fathy, thanking the Armed Forces and Naval Forces for their crucial support in the complex operation, reports Ahram Online.
The granite colossus of an unidentified man from the late Ptolemaic period reflects the Hellenistic artistic traditions that flourished in Egypt following Alexander the Great's conquest. This statue provides valuable evidence of the cultural fusion that characterized Egypt during the final centuries of pharaonic rule, when Greek and Egyptian artistic styles merged to create distinctive hybrid forms.
Egyptian themed Wood/Resin Handmade Chess Set with Lights, from the Ancient Origins Store.
Sunken Egypt: A Mediterranean Atlantis Revealed
Abu Qir Bay has emerged as one of the world's most significant underwater archaeological sites, containing the submerged remains of cities that once served as Egypt's primary gateway to the Mediterranean world. In a Ministry facebook announcement, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the site as a "living witness" to Egypt's long history, emphasizing its extraordinary archaeological significance.
The site encompasses a complete Roman-era settlement including temples, residential buildings, industrial spaces, water cisterns, fish tanks, and a 400-foot-long commercial dock. Near this ancient harbor, archaeologists have documented the wreck of an ancient merchant ship, providing evidence of the intensive maritime trade that once connected Egypt with the broader Mediterranean world.
Previous excavations and surveys have yielded an extraordinary array of artifacts spanning multiple civilizations: amphorae bearing ancient trademarks, royal statues, sphinxes, ushabti figurines, stone anchors, and coins from the Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. This remarkable assemblage demonstrates the site's continuous occupation and importance throughout ancient history.
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The three statues in front of dignitaries, armed forces and researchers involved in the project. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
Archaeological Renaissance in Egypt's Underwater Heritage
This recovery operation represents a significant advancement in Egypt's underwater archaeological capabilities, marking the first such major undertaking since similar operations a quarter-century ago. Senior underwater archaeologist Mohamed Mustafa revealed that additional discoveries await, including a remarkably preserved ancient ship currently under study, suggesting the site's archaeological potential remains far from exhausted.
The white marble statue of a Roman nobleman completes this remarkable triad, representing the final phase of ancient Egyptian civilization when the country served as a province of the Roman Empire. Its pristine preservation demonstrates the exceptional conditions that have protected Abu Qir Bay's archaeological treasures for nearly two millennia.
White marble statue of a Roman nobleman recovered from the submerged city in Abu Qir Bay. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
Over time, earthquakes and rising sea levels gradually submerged coastal areas of the Nile Delta, including the important ports of Canopus and Thonis-Heracleion. What once represented tragedy for ancient inhabitants has become an unprecedented opportunity for modern archaeologists to study these frozen moments in history, preserved beneath the Mediterranean waves.
Top image: Divers raise the granite sphinx statue from Abu Qir Bay in Egypt's first major underwater recovery operation in 25 years. Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
By Gary Manners
References
El-Aref, N. 2025. Egypt recovers three massive ancient colossi from Abu Qir seabed. Available at: https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/551647.aspx
Archaeology Magazine. 2025. Statues from Sunken Egyptian City Reemerge. Available at: https://archaeology.org/news/2025/08/25/statues-from-sunken-egyptian-city-reemerge/
