It was more than 12 centuries since the city of Heracleion, a great and ancient Egyptian city, suddenly vanished from the pages of history. Historians do know that it was erected around 8th century BC, almost 3000 years ago, and was believed to have served as a port that all ships coming into Egypt had to stop at to declare their goods. Ships would come from the Greek world to trade.
|
The sunken city was discovered in 2000 by archaeologists. If they had not found it, all memory of it may have faded entirely...
|
In 2000, Franck Goddio and his team found the ruins about 6 km (3.7 miles) off the coastline, at a depth of about 45 meters (150 feet) under the water. The overall area of the city is estimated at about 11 on 15 km, at Aboukir Bay.
|
So far, the findings can be categorized as following: 1. Huge statues, some reaching over 5 meters (16 feet) tall and hundreds of smaller sculptures and statutes, depciting heroes and gods.
2. Gold and bronze coins, as well as stone weight to weigh them.
3. What remains of a monster fleet - over 64 ships were found buried in the sea bed.
4. Big slabs of stone inscribed in several languages, including ancient Greek and Ancient Egyptian.
5. Hundreds of ancient heavy anchors.
|
We don't know much about the reason for the fall of the city, but evidence suggests some educated guesses. The city may have been victim to a geological phenomena, caused by the slow movement of the soil under this part of the Mediterranean basin. The soil went down while the water went up, drowning the city and covering all its secrets with the waves, there they will wait thousands of years to be discovered again today.
|
Related Articles: These Are the 7 Oldest Cities on Earth that Still Stand 7 Digital Recreations of Ancient Ruins 14 Ancient Theaters of Greek Roman Antiquity |
Visit an Ancient Map Collection With Thousands of Works!
Visit this great, free collection for an enlightening journey through the annals of cartography.
This Ancient Civilization Just Mysteriously Vanished
Long ago, Malta was inhabited by a mysterious, advanced civilization, but one day, it ceased to exist. What happened?
15 Colossal Buildings Built by Ancients That Still Stand
Some of the greatest and most ancient buildings ever built by man are still used today, centuries after they were first constructed. These are 15 of the best.
Ancient Eastern Architectural Splendors You Shouldn’t Miss
A look at some of the less renowned ancient engineering marvels hidden inside the eastern corners of the world.
The Lost Seventh Wonder of the World, the Hanging Gardens
We have ample evidence for all of the ancient seven wonders of the world, except for one: the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Did it exist?
Visiting Egypt? Here's Why You Need to Go to Luxor!
If you are ever visiting Egypt, this video shows why you really must visit Luxor. We bet you've never seen anything quite like it!
Life Has Changed a Lot Since These Photos Were Taken
These historic photos capture the everyday experiences of the last century, reminding us how much the ordinary things in life have changed.
Have You Ever Seen Ducks With Jobs? You're About To!
Watch the day-to-day life of these incredible ducks, who just so happen to spend their lives on a wine farm...
Nostalgia: Gorgeous Photos of America in the 1950s
We hope you enjoy these beautiful captures of the 1950s in the USA.
These Wonderful Shots Are From Many Special Times Gone By
Nostalgia can be a beautiful thing, and these beautiful black and white images reinforce that notion. Jump back into the past with these shots.
Learn Something New Today With These Mind-Blowing Facts
These intriguing facts will teach you something new today.
Impress Your Friends With These Quirky Latin Phrases
Make yourself look wiser and more romantic by using these ten Latin phrases on a daily basis.
22 Facts That Will Change What You Think You Know
From Facebook to Winston Churchill, these 22 surprising facts are very interesting.
I Bet You Never Knew These U.S. Geography Facts...
Do you consider yourself to be a proud American who knows all there is to know about the good ol’ U.S. of A.? We bet you didn't know these facts!
The Secrets Behind 5 Famous and Beloved Magic Tricks!
Get to know the secrets behind well-known magic tricks with these 6 fascinating explanations.
Why Do I Suddenly Need Subtitles for Every Show I Watch?
Have our ears gone bad, or is it simply bad acting? Neither. It's the tech - it's just TOO advanced.
The Mandela Effect: When Everyone Misremembers History
The Mandela Effect is a strange phenomenon, where large amounts of people seem to remember things differently.
Can You Spot the Camouflaged Creatures in These Photos?
These wonderful animals have gone into hiding. Can you find them? If not, just click on the photo to reveal all!
23 Extraordinary Vision Facts That'll Open Your Eyes Wide
The eye is an amazing body part, but did you know how amazing? These 23 facts will open your eyes to the extraordinary truth.
Juggling Legend Kris Kremo Will Leave You in Awe
Get ready to be thrilled by juggling legend Kris Kremo’s captivating performance.
50 Unknown Facts About Cleopatra, the Queen of the Nile
Cleopatra is one of the most fascinating figures from history. And there’s still so many things about her you don’t know yet.
The Full Story of Amelia Earhart and the Nikumaroro Bones
What happened to Amelia Earhart has always remained a mystery, however a new study has now almost certainly established exactly what did.
Your Cat Isn't Weird, It's Just Trying to Say Something
Many cat behaviors have human equivalents, however we often have problems interpreting them. Thanks to this handy guide, you will not anymore!
Watch a Thai Chiropractor Fixing a Spine With a Hammer!
Thailand is a country that's known for specializing in many different kinds of massages, but would you dare be massaged by a man wielding a hammer?
12 Rules for Basic Etiquette that Should Still be Practiced
It feels like people forgot the meaning of politeness, well these 12 rules of manners should be read, remembered and acted upon.
She Will Never Forget Her Marriage Proposal. Ever.
This is a Marriage Proposal For the Books...
10 of the Most Interesting Popes in History
The papacy has been ongoing ever since the time of St. Peter, but some popes stand out as being more historically significant than others. Take a look.
These Supposed Aphrodisiacs Are Just a Waste of Money
Many things that are supposed to be aphrodisiacs are actually no such things. Here are 10 "aphrodisiacs" that are nothing more than a waste of money.
How Companies Deceive Us All - 20 Pictures
As these 20 pictures prove, companies are constantly lying about the size and the quality of their products through deceptive packaging!
11 of the Most Insanely Useful Websites on the Web
Believe it or not, there are tons of sites that offer useful free stuff. Here’s a look at a few of them.
8 Honest-to-God Facts that Are Just too Weird to Believe
A list of bizarre yet true facts
20 Maps and Charts That Explain the World in Unique Ways
Time for some more fascinating and informative maps that show interesting aspects of our planet.
It’s a Shame We Stopped Using These 17 Old English Words
These 17 old words are definitely missing in our modern vocabularies and deserve to be brought back into day-to-day speech
You'll Need a Second Look For THESE Photos...
These fascinating photo illusions will make you believe like you're seeing one thing, but they actually depict something very different
The 10 Greatest British Monarchs in History
Do you know about the greatest monarchs in British history? Don't fret if you don't, because you're about to learn all about them right now.
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" are Much More Than Just Music
In this TED-Ed video, Betsy Schwarm explains just why it is that you should listen to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons."
Do You Know The Origins of These Common Phrases?
There are many phrases that we use in English that we never give a second thought to. Here are 9 common phrases with rather sinister origins.
10 Incredible People You Never Heard Of!
Here are 10 people who have, in their own ways, saved countless lives and at times, the entire planet. They deserve to be known.
Our World Is Amazing, As These Pictures Will Show You
Although life can get you down sometimes, seeing just one little thing can make all the difference. Here are 20 photos to remind you how awesome our world is.
The Extraordinary Lives of the Oldest Record Breakers
From marathoners and skydivers to body-builders and pianists, here are some of the world’s oldest record-breakers.
Her Mom With Alzheimer's Didn't Recognize Her, Until...
A loving daughter experiences a moment she thought she'd never have again.
These Collections Are Certainly On the More Unusual Side..
These collections are larger and a little more unusual than a run-of-the-mill stamp collection. Take a look.
18 Unlikely But True Facts That Will Get You Thinking
The saying truth is stranger than fiction is all too true when you read these incredible facts. #2 had me grabbing for my calculator.
8 Weird and Wacky Failed Inventions from the Past
Here is a look at some weird and wacky inventions from the past that never quite took off despite their innovativeness.
Travel History With These Amazing Photos of Yesteryear
Amazing photos reveal 150 years of history.
When Animals Go Rogue: True Tales of Man-Eating Animals
Throughout history, many animals have turned into deadly man-eaters. Here’s a list of the most intense books on the subject.
These Well-Known Places Have Their Hidden Secrets!
These well-known places have their hidden secrets. Read this article to reveal all!