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| Underwater archaeologists found many artifacts inside the temple, including gold objects, jewelry and a djed pillar, a symbol of stability made of lapis lazuli. |
While exploring a canal off Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, archaeologists discovered a sunken temple and a sanctuary filled with ancient treasures related to the god.
The temple, which partially collapsed during a cataclysm in the mid-second century BC, was originally built to worship the god Amun.
This now abandoned building was once part of the ancient port city of Thonis-Heracleion in Aboukir Bay (also known as Abū Qīr Bay).
Many ceremonial tools are made of gold and silver
While exploring the temple, archaeologists unearthed a number of treasures and secrets, including ceremonial tools made of silver, gold jewelry, and plaster containers once used to hold perfume.
Also at this site, divers found underground structures supported by well-preserved wooden columns and beams dating from the fifth century BC.
Franck Goddio, president of IEASM and the French underwater archaeologist who led the excavation, said: “It is extremely moving to discover such fragile objects, still intact despite the
East of the temple, archaeologists found a Greek sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite.
The sanctuary also kept a cache of Greek weapons, researchers said, suggesting that Greek mercenaries were once present in the area to protect access to the Kingdom of the Nile River, or its tributary.
