Egypt’s Underwater Heritage: Alexandria University Introduces New Efforts to Preserve Sunken Artifacts
Egypt is one of the richest countries when it comes to historical artifacts and valuable antiquities. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has been committed to excavating and finding hidden gems in several locations across the country, in addition to returning pieces back to their homeland. Recently, Alexandria University launched a project called Underwater Heritage to excavate artifacts in the eastern port of Alexandria and protect Egypt’s underwater heritage.
Led by the Director of the Alexandria Center for Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage, Emad Khalil, the project is held in collaboration with the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO and several European partners. It aims to ensure that underwater heritage is not lost and to preserve what remains of the country’s sunken cities.
The Underwater Antiquities Central Department at the Ministry of Antiquities organized a number of excavation skills training workshops and has been involving workers in the restoration activities with the help of international organizations in order to promote Egypt’s underwater heritage.
Some of the major archeological sites that are submerged under Alexandrian waters are the Citadel of Qaitbay, with more than 3,000 artifacts from the Greek and Roman civilizations, and the Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And there is still so much more to be discovered!
