Thonis-Heracleion: An ancient Egyptian city that sank under water – Egypt Today

Thonis-Heracleion: An ancient Egyptian city that sank under water – Egypt Today

CAIRO – 29 May 2022: The massive monuments of Giza and the magnificent temples of Thebes bear witness to the greatness of the ancient Pharaonic cities. Yet, it was difficult to find traces of these wonderful urban centers, the once prosperous cities were shrouded in mystery until the modern era when archaeologists made some surprising discoveries. The lost city of Thonis-Heracleion in ancient Egypt is one of the greatest submerged discoveries ever. For thousands of years, it has been hidden under water. Its existence was recorded only in a few rare inscriptions and ancient texts, according to the National Geographic website. This port flourished at the mouth of the Nile in the seventh century BC. The port city was also known as Thonis to the Egyptians and Heracleion to the Greeks. It flourished as a vital center for trade and culture, and then disappeared when it was suddenly flooded. The city of Heracleion was located about 32 km (20 mi) northeast of Alexandria on the Mediterranean Sea, and its remains are found in the Gulf of Abu Qir. Evidence was found at the site indicating that the city was known late in its history by its Egyptian and Greek names.