Archaeologists have discovered a 25-meter-long galley in the remains of the sunken city of Thonis-Herakleion in the Mediterranean Sea. The city was devastated by an earthquake and a tsunami over 2,000 years ago, and its ruins have been lying in about ten meters of water in the Bay of Abukir, east of Alexandria, ever since. The discovery of the galley is significant because shipwrecks from this era are extremely rare. Thonis-Herakleion has already yielded statues, wrecks, and other objects, as well as stone tablets with inscriptions that have helped to identify the sunken city. The latest find is a 25-meter-long galley that was powered by a large sail and numerous oars. The ship was damaged by blocks of stone from the nearby Amun temple during a disaster in the 2nd century BC and sank.
The discovery of the galley is a remarkable achievement for archaeologists, who have been working in the area for years. The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM) has already uncovered over 700 ancient anchors and 16 wrecks from the 6th to the 2nd century BC in the vicinity of Thonis-Herakleion. The city was a major trading hub during its heyday, and it is likely that many more discoveries will be made in the future. The galley is particularly significant because it provides a rare glimpse into the naval technology of the time. Ships from this era are notoriously difficult to find because their remains often dissolve in water. The discovery of the galley is a testament to the skill and dedication of the archaeologists who have been working tirelessly to uncover the secrets of Thonis-Herakleion.
According to the Antiquities Ministry in Cairo, the discovery of the galley is a major breakthrough in the study of ancient naval history. The ship is believed to have been one of many that plied the waters around Thonis-Herakleion during its heyday. The discovery of the galley is a reminder of the city’s importance as a trading hub and a center of maritime activity. The discovery of the galley is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the devastation wrought by the earthquake and tsunami, the people of Thonis-Herakleion continued to build and innovate, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire us today.
