Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Thursday the discovery of parts of a submerged ancient city off Abu Qir Bay, east of Alexandria, dating back more than 2,000 years.
The discovery includes temples, buildings, water cisterns, and a ship carrying walnuts and almonds. Among the artifacts is a sphinx statue believed to depict Pharaoh Ramses II.
Officials say the site, dating from the Ptolemaic to Roman periods, may have been linked to the ancient city of Canopus. Experts believe earthquakes and rising sea levels caused its submersion. Many artifacts will remain underwater due to UNESCO rules.