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 |
The Full Glory of a Golden Rome...
Look at these unbelievably colorful postcards from Rome, resurrected by Retronaut.
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.
The Most Dazzling Ancient Castles and Fortresses on Earth
Featured in this sizeable collection of articles are the most noteworthy castles, palace and fortresses in Europe and beyond
TRIVIA: Test Your Knowledge of the Seven Wonders
How much do you think you know about the ancient Seven Wonders of the World? Take this test and find out.
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?
Astounding Archeological Discoveries Made in Recent Times
From a second Stonehenge to an enormous species of bears found in North America, all 15 of these discoveries were made in recent years
Meet the 13 Most Influential Japanese Gods and Goddesses
Today, we dive into the rich Japanese pantheon and take a look at some of their most iconic gods and goddesses.
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.
I Had No Idea These Brand Names Are Actually Acronyms
There are loads of brand names out there that are actually acronyms, and here are some of the most surprising ones!
Archeologists Are Dumbfounded By These Discoveries
These archelogical sites have been proven to be difficult to explain.
8 Facts You Learned at School that Are No Longer True!
The passage of time leads things that were once accepted as facts to actually be proven as incorrect. Here are 8 supposed facts that aren’t really true.
English Really Needs a Translation for These Foreign Words
With so many words in the English vocabulary, we still as yet have to come up with a word to describe how we'd feel in these instances.
Where Did These Common Sayings Come From? Fascinating!
You're probably aware of these common sayings, but where did they originate from? Fascinating!
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.
The Grisly Origins of Madame Tussaud's Wax Empire!
Ever wondered how Madame Tussaud's became the most famous waxmaker in history? Well, if you did, you need wonder no more!
Dancing With Dogs is So Much Better Than Regular Dancing...
These top contestants will wiggle, jump and roll their way into your hearts!
How 10 Ordinary English Idioms and Phrases Began...
Many English phrases and idioms have fascinating histories behind them, here is a selection of 10 astounding examples.
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.
8 Essential Greek Philosophy Books You Shouldn't Miss
Here is your best chance for understanding Greek philosophy and its history.
Watching These Tigers Released Is a Powerful Experience
Watching these powerful, royal tigers given their freedom again is a magnificent experience, one that reminds us of the power and majesty of these animals.
If You Like Greek Mythology, Don’t Miss These Movies!
If you’re interested in Greek mythology, then make sure you check out these amazing films.
These Theories On Reality Will Blow Your Mind
There are many crazy theories about the nature of reality, but some of them definitely outdo the others. Here are 10 mind-blowing theories about reality.
7 Notable Han Dynasty Inventions That Changed the World
Here, we look at some of the great inventions from the Han dynasty of China that had a great impact on the world.
Of the Transformative Power of Classical Music...
A fascinating TED talk by Benjamin Zander.
These 6 Mysterious Objects Can't Be Explained by Anyone
Archaeology is a very rewarding discipline, but there are some mysteries that never get solved. Take these 6 ancient objects. What they are is anyone's guess!
Let's Remember Matthew Perry by His Lovely Quotes
"Friends” star Matthew Perry has passed away. Here’s a look at some of his most memorable quotes.
This Ancient Cabinet is FULL of Surprises...
One of the finest achievements of European furniture making!
Pivotal Historical Scenes Frozen in the Frame of a Moment
A collection of rare historical moments you probably won't find in textbooks.
How to Detect a Liar, Explained by a Former FBI agent
Former FBI agent explains about deception detection methods, and debunks common myths.
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
Emperor Augustus: How Does History Judge Him?
When speaking of great Roman emperors, perhaps the first that comes to mind is Augustus, who reigned for 41 years and is thought of as the founder of the Roman principle.
Video Box: The Most Amazing Guinness Records!
Don't miss these 16 world record-breaking feats, performed by both humans and animals alike!
The Mandela Effect: When Everyone Misremembers History
The Mandela Effect is a strange phenomenon, where large amounts of people seem to remember things differently.
White Rose: the Brave Student Resistance to Nazi Germany
White Rose was a secret student organization that opposed the Nazi rule, here is the story of this brave organization...
Wow! I Had No Idea That Whales Could Show Gratitude!
One whale was so grateful for the man who saved his life, he showed his appreciation - by dancing!
16 Helpful Charts and Guides Worth Saving
We’ll never get enough of useful charts, maps, and guides like these!
Witness the Might of the World's Greatest Empires
The world's greatest civilizations and empires had a marked effect on history and shaped the world as we know it today. Watch these informative videos.
The World Needs to Listen to This Song Now More Than Ever
Watch legendary singer Louis Armstrong perform his hauntingly beautiful and iconic song ‘What A Wonderful World’, live during this concert.
Mark Twain Really Had a Way With Words
These great quotes from Mark Twain are all-time classics, and worth remembering.
These Vintage Photos are Both Funny & Bizarre!
Check out these 15 weird sights from the past, which you certainly won't see nowadays!
The Chilling Story of Hungary’s Murderous Blood Countess
Elizabeth Bathory is one of the most feared names in Hungary, with a sadistic streak to rival that of Vlad the Impaler's.
Learn How to Perform These Famous Magic Tricks at Home!
Magic tricks aren't always as tricky as they seem. In fact, you can learn how to perform some of the famous ones at home...
These Rare Photos Tell the Story of the Great Depression
A photographic summary depiction of The Great Depression.
Every Common Phrase Started Somehow...
The origins of these common phrases are fascinating.
13 Books That Will Make Your Time Fly
These times of social distancing are perfect for catching up on your reading. Check out this list of 13 must reads to get started.
Watch: An Emotional Interview With a Dunkirk Veteran
At the premiere of the hit movie, Dunkirk, at Calgary’s Westhills Cinemas, theatergoers ended up having a surprise encounter with a 97-year-old veteran.
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.