Temple of Aphrodite revealed in Thonis Heraklion

In an official communiqué issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, it has come to light that an archaeological expedition has successfully unveiled a temple consecrated to Aphrodite within the submerged environs of Thonis-Heracleion. This once-thriving urban settlement, Thonis-Heracleion, was positioned in the proximity of the Canopic Mouth of the Nile, to the northeast of Alexandria, Egypt. Originally founded upon interconnected islands within the Nile Delta, this city assumed a preeminent role in facilitating global commerce.

Historical accounts chronicling Thonis-Heracleion are found within the annals of various ancient Greek chroniclers, notably Strabo, Diodorus, Herodotus, as well as the dual steles embodying the Edict of Nectanebo I and the Edict of Canopus, venerating Pharaoh Ptolemy III.

During the waning years of the 2nd century BC, this city experienced submergence, attributable to a confluence of geological phenomena such as seismic disturbances, soil liquefaction, tidal waves, and the encroachment of oceanic waters. It was only in the year 2000 that subaquatic archaeologists embarked on the expedition that would culminate in the rediscovery of this submerged urban complex. Subsequent excavations have yielded an array of monumental structures, sculptural artifacts, religious sanctuaries, and the largest assemblage of seafaring vessels hitherto encountered in the annals of antiquity.

In a recent undertaking orchestrated by the European Institute of Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), conducted in collaboration with the Hilti Foundation, the Department of Underwater Archaeology situated in Alexandria, and the Ministry of Tourism and Egyptian Antiquities, the leadership of Franck Goddio marshaled a team of subaquatic archaeologists. This multidisciplinary cohort of experts successfully unearthed a sanctuary consecrated to Aphrodite, dating back to the 5th century BC.

Aphrodite, a venerable figure within the pantheon of ancient Greek deities, was prominently associated with themes of love, desire, beauty, pleasure, passion, and procreation. She was one of the three principal goddesses, alongside Athena and Hera, whose discord precipitated the protracted conflict of the Trojan War, a seminal episode prominently featured in Homer’s magnum opus, the “Iliad.”

In conjunction with the revelation of this sacred edifice, Mostafa Waziri, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt, proffered the following statement: “Furthermore, a compendium of artifacts composed of bronze and ceramics, originating from the Hellenic world, has been meticulously cataloged, in addition to the remnants of edifices reinforced with wooden structural elements, all dating to the 5th century BC.”

Moreover, recent investigations concerning the submerged Temple of Amun have yielded a plethora of antiquities. These include ornate lion-headed earrings, a gilded Wadjet figurine, silver platters, and vessels crafted from alabaster.

Source: Egypt. Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities [September 23, 2023]