Heraklion, Egypt

The ancient city of Heraklion lost in the sea depth is a historic treasure of global significance. It was founded more than 2,000 years ago, at the mouth of the Nile. The former has remained the most important strategic point of Egypt for many years. Currently, surviving buildings of the ancient city lie at the bottom of the Gulf of Aboukir, about 6 meters under the surface of the sea. The discovery of this unique historic site is accredited to the research group guided by Franck Goddio.

Scientists were looking for wrecks of Napoleonic fleet, so the discovery of the ancient city was a big surprise for them. The sunken city has its interesting sights, among which the Temple of Hercules deserves special attention. Nearby there are the ruins of the temples dedicated to Anubis and Isis; huge statues of ancient gods resting at the bottom are of particular interest.

Reasons for this once thriving town to be flooded remain unclear. Only one thing is doubtless - the ancient city was stroked by a sudden and overpowering element. Precious artifacts, which scientists have discovered at the archaeological area, prove that. Local residents left their homes very quickly, but that’s possible that the disaster has killed thousands of people. No historical evidence of strong earthquakes and floods in the period of interest is known today. There are hundreds of priceless artifacts raised from the bottom of the Gulf of Aboukir; you can admire them in local museums. Next - Samabaj