 |
| Photograph by Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation / Christoph Gerigk |
1,200 years ago the ancient Egyptian city of Heracleion disappeared
beneath the Mediterranean. Founded around 8th century BC, well before
the foundation of Alexandria in 331 BC, it is believed Heracleion served
as the obligatory port of entry to Egypt for all ships coming from the
Greek world.
Prior to its discovery in 2000 by archaeologist Franck Goddio and the IEASM (European Institute for Underwater Archaeology), no trace of Thonis-Heracleion had been found (the city was known to the Greeks as Thonis).
Its name was almost razed from the memory of mankind, only preserved in
ancient classic texts and rare inscriptions found on land by
archaeologists.
 |
| Photograph by Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation / Christoph Gerigk |
 |
| Photograph by Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation / Christoph Gerigk |
The Discovery
With his unique survey-based approach utilising sophisticated technical equipment, Franck Goddio
and his team from the IEASM were able to locate, map and excavate parts
of the city of Thonis-Heracleion, which lies 6.5 kilometres off today’s
coastline about 150 feet underwater. The city is located within an
overall research area of 11 by 15 kilometres in the western part of
Aboukir Bay. [Source]
Findings to date include:
– The remains of more than 64 ships buried in the thick clay and sand that covers the sea bed
– Gold coins and weights made from bronze and stone
– Giant 16-ft statues along with hundreds of smaller statues of minor gods
– Slabs of stone inscribed in both ancient Greek and ancient Egyptian
– Dozens of small limestone sarcophagi believed to have once contained mummified animals
– Over 700 ancient anchors for ships
– The remains of more than 64 ships buried in the thick clay and sand that covers the sea bed
– Gold coins and weights made from bronze and stone
– Giant 16-ft statues along with hundreds of smaller statues of minor gods
– Slabs of stone inscribed in both ancient Greek and ancient Egyptian
– Dozens of small limestone sarcophagi believed to have once contained mummified animals
– Over 700 ancient anchors for ships
[Source]
 |
| Photograph by Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation / Christoph Gerigk |
 |
| Photograph by Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation / Christoph Gerigk |
 |
| Photograph by Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation / Christoph Gerigk |
What Caused the Submergence?
Research suggests that the site was affected by geological and
cataclysmic phenomena. The slow movement of subsidence of the soil
affected this part of the south-eastern basin of the Mediterranean. The
rise in sea level also contributed significantly to the submergence of
the land. The IEASM made geological observations that brought these
phenomena to light by discovering seismic effects in the underlying
geology. [Source]
Analysis of the site also suggests liquefaction of the soil. These
localized phenomena can be triggered by the action of great pressure on
soil with a high clay and water content. The pressure from large
buildings, combined with an overload of weight due to an unusually high
flood or a tidal wave, can dramatically compress the soil and force the
expulsion of water contained within the structure of the clay. The clay
quickly loses volume, which creates sudden subsidence. An earthquake can
also cause such a phenomenon. These factors, whether occurring together
or independently, may have caused significant destruction and explain
the submergence of Thonis-Heracleion. [Source]
 |
| Photograph by Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation / Christoph Gerigk |
 |
| Photograph by Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation / Christoph Gerigk |
Franck Goddio
Maritime Archaeologist
Franck Goddio
is a pioneer of modern maritime archaeology. After graduating from the
École Nationale de la Statistique et de l’Administration Economique in
Paris, Franck Goddio conducted economic and financial counselling
missions in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia for the United Nations, and later
for the French Foreign Ministry.
In the early 1980’s he decided to dedicate himself entirely to his passion – underwater archaeology – and founded the Institut Européen d’Archéologie Sous-Marine (IEASM),
of which he is currently president. Goddio has initiated and directed a
number of excavations on shipwrecks including seven junks from the
11th-16th century, two Spanish galleons and two trading vessels of the
British East India Company.
Goddio’s most ambitious project is conducted off the coast of Egypt,
in Alexandria’s ancient eastern harbour and in the Bay of Aboukir (30km
east of Alexandria). In partnership with the Egyptian Supreme Council of
Antiquities a vast area the size of Paris has been mapped and
investigated since 1992. In 2000, the ancient city of Heracleion and
parts of the city of Canopus were discovered. The research is ongoing to
this date.
Excavation projects directed by Goddio have a strictly non-commercial
purpose and his work is always carried out in cooperation with the
national authorities in whose territorial waters the exploration is
taking place. The excavation work is founded on legal provisions that
regulate underwater excavations and on international archaeological
standards (UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural
Heritage). [Source]
Source:
