Frank Goddio Society

Alexandria Mission Report 2008

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Members Only: Newsletter July 2008

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:00:00 GMT

Contents:
Expeditions in Egypt resumed
OCMA conference to be held in September
“Egypt’s Sunken Treasures” on display in Madrid

Members Only: Newsletter August 2007

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:00:00 GMT

Contents:
Over 1 Million visitors have already seen “Egypt’s sunken Treasures”
New finds from off-shore expedition to Egypt

Update Allexandria Project Timeline

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:00:00 GMT

Infomration about the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 have been added.

Allexandria Mission Report 2007

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:00:00 GMT

The main objective of the expedition in Alexandria was to perform excavations on remains of buildings at the ancient coast. During the excavations, Byzantine gold coins were uncovered dating back from the 7th and 8th century A.D. No artefacts of later date were unearthed. This fact is leading the mission to believe that this part of the Portus Magnus was finally submerged at the same time than Canopus and Heracleion in the second half of the 8th century A.D.

Canopic Region Mission Report 2007

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:00:00 GMT

In Heracleion the goal was to collect topographic data to determine the extend of the settlement towards the southeast. Previously unknown remains of buildings and port structures were located in the southeastern part of the port. The old central harbour and some harbour basins in the southeast of the city were also examined. The extensive area covered by these structures illustrates how the city was one of the ancient world’s major international trading metropolises.

The artefacts discovered were taken from the sediment and brought to the surface. One of the finds was a bronze statuette of Osiris, 25,5 cm in length. It is remarkable for the way it had been covered with gold leaf; some remains of it can still be seen in its eyes.

Gallery Paris - new images

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:00:00 GMT

We have put some new images into our gallery.

Press Release: Scientific publication on the submerged Canopic region in Egypt

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Oxford University launches new series with Maritime Archaeologist Franck Goddio

“Underwater Archaeology in the Canopic Region in Egypt - The Topography and Excavation of Heracleion-Thonis and East Canopus (1996-2006)” by Franck Goddio is the first monograph in a new series on maritime archaeology published by Oxford University’s Centre for Maritime Archaeology (OCMA) which is a part of the university’s Institute of Archaeology.

“This publication by Franck Goddio is an extremely valuable contribution to the archaeology of the Canopic region”, says Prof. Andrew Wilson, Professor of Roman Archaeology at Oxford University. “His discovery of the sunken settlements in Aboukir Bay has significantly advanced our understanding of the ancient topography of the area. Among the extensive and dramatic new artifacts he has uncovered are some entirely unique categories of material which are contributing to our artistic and cultural knowledge of a range of periods spanning the Ptolemaic to the Byzantine. His innovative and technologically advanced approach to the methodology of maritime archaeology is a significant contribution in itself and promises to lead to further exciting discoveries. Oxford is proud to collaborate with Franck Goddio in his groundbreaking work”.

In his monograph Franck Goddio describes the excavation methodology and the significant topographical results of the last 10 years of work in the Bay of Aboukir in Egypt. From the extensive archaeological survey to excavation, study and exhibition, this monograph brings also to light the layout of the submerged city of Heracleion and the eastern part of Canopus and their relationship to the nearby sites. It is shown that Heracleion was once an important Egyptian port city prior to the foundation of the port at Alexandria. The excavations have revealed the region was occupied variously from the 8th century BC to the 8th century AD. Furthermore, the publication introduces the innovative and cutting edge technology developed by the team for the underwater excavations. The book is illustrated with maps and illustrations of both the underwater excavations and notable objects.

The Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology was established in 2003 at Oxford University in co-operation with Franck Goddio and the Hilti Foundation, which has supported Franck Goddio’s archaeological expeditions for 10 years. The role of Oxford University in the collaboration is to provide specialist knowledge for the studies on the excavated material, to participate in the excavations and organize academic conferences. Leading Oxford academics working with their doctoral students have been studying the larger classes of material since 2003 and new studies are being planned. This first publication and others in the series will provide an academic foundation to the international exhibition “Egypt’s Sunken Treasures” currently on view in the Grand Palais in Paris and later on in the Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn (5 April 2007 - 27 January 2008).

Underwater Archaeology in the Canopic Region in Egypt - The Topography and Excavation of Heracleion-Thonis and East Canopus (1996-2006) by Franck Goddio, Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology, Oxford 2007, ISBN 978-0-9549627-3-9, international distributor: Oxbow Books, Park End Place, Oxford, OX1 1HN, United Kingdom, Tel: +44 (0)1865 241249, Fax: +44 (0)1865 794449, Orders: orders@oxbowbooks.com

Gallery Paris - more images

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:00:00 GMT

We have put even some more new images into our gallery.

Spanish premiere of exhibition "Egypt’s Sunken Treasures" in Madrid

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:00:00 GMT

The Antiguo Matadero de Legazpi in Madrid is the setting for the Spanish premiere of the successful exhibition "Egypt’s Sunken Treasures" (Spanish title: "Tesoros Sumergidos de Egipto"). From 16 April through 28 September 2008 remarkable artefacts are on display which were recovered in the course of undersea expeditions off the Mediterranean coast of Egypt by Franck Goddio and his team. "Egypt’s Sunken Treasures" has been shown with spectacular success in Germany and France with over 1,5 Million visitors. At the Antiguo Matadero de Legazpi, Madrid’s new cultural hot-spot, the exhitbition is expected to generate a similar big interest.

Update: Commitment by the Hilti Foundation

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

THE FASCINATION OF HISTORY – RESEARCHING THE PAST, MAKING NEW DISCOVERIES, PRESENTING FINDINGS TO THE PUBLIC. THESE ARE THE GOALS SHARED BY FRANCK GODDIO AND THE HILTI FOUNDATION. The Martin Hilti Family Trust is the sole shareholder of the globally operating Hilti Group. Hilti provides state-of-the-art technological products, systems and services for the construction industry. Close to 20’000 employees (of whom 1900 in Liechtenstein) in more than 120 countries are passionately committed to exceed customer expectations and to build a better future. Hilti was founded in Liechtenstein in 1941 and the headquarters of both the Hilti Group and the Hilti Foundation are based in Schaan in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Established in 1996 by the Martin Hilti Family Trust, the Hilti Foundation finances and coordinates all global « Corporate Social Responsibility » activities on behalf of the Hilti Group and the Trust. The Hilti Foundation is committed to a select range of innovative and sustainable projects, particularly in the cultural, social and educational domain. Just as the Hilti logo has long been recognized as the hallmark of innovative products and market services, the name Hilti Foundation stands for the promotion of innovative ideas and projects that contribute to build a better future, as put forth in the Hilti mission statement. Since 1996, the focus of the Hilti Foundation’s cultural commitment has been the support of the underwater archaeological work of Franck Goddio and his team off the Egyptian coast. Franck Goddio works closely with renowned experts and scientists and enjoys the scientific support of the Centre for Maritime Archaeology at Oxford University.

Update: Mission Report Alexandria 2008

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

This year’s spring expedition in Egypt focused on Alexandria’s Eastern Harbour. Important new discoveries were made near Cape Lochias and on the Poseidium peninsula. At Cape Lochias we discovered the structure of a building stretching over 100 metres in length and 70 metres in width. On the Poseidium peninsula we were able to retrieve important artefacts, among them bronze statuettes and diorite sculptures that are linked to a temple. We have also found a finger from a Bronze statue; the size of the finger indicates that the statue itself must have measured about four metres in height. Another important discovery is that of a marble high relief depicting Hercules as a child lying on a lion skin. Several excavations were also performed on the ancient coast line, Antirhodos Island and the Poseidium. The stratigraphies brought very interesting results relevant to the occupation periods. Another discovery was made in Alexandria’s Eastern Harbour close to the modern Corniche. A ceramic bowl was discovered at the foot of the peninsula that stretches towards the island of Antirhodos on the former coastline now submerged. The bowl was found in an even context of the first half of the 1st century AD, associated with oriental sigillated, thin-walled goblets and imported culinary ceramic. This thin-walled ceramic, however, dates back to the 1st century BC. It is a careened cup with handles, well preserved. Close forms are present in Pergamon, for production between the late 2nd century BC and the early 1st century AD. Bearing in mind the technical characteristics and type of this specimen, this jug very likely comes from a workshop in the west of Asia Minor. This bowl is engraved with DIA CHRSTOU O GOISTAIS made after baking as the incisions have taken away the slip. This inscription is at least enigmatic; it dates back either to the 1st century BC (dating of the ceramic) or the first half of the 1st century AD (dating of the occupation) and offers different hypotheses of reading. For Pr. Bert Smith of Oxford University, it might be a dedication or a present made by a certain Chrestos belonging to an association (maybe religious) called Ogoistais. In this sense, Pr. Klaus Hallof, director of the Institute of Greek inscriptions in the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of inscriptions believes that it is necessary to connect “ogostai” to known Greek denominations of religious associations such as Hermaistai, Athenaistai, Isiastai which gathered worshippers of the god Hermes or the goddess Athena and Isis. “Ogo”, according to this hypothesis, would be a divine form of expressing the god Osogo or Ogoa of whom Strabon and Pausanias talk with regard to a divinity worshipped in Milas, in Caria. According to the interpretation of Pr. André Bernand, Professor emeritus of French Universities, Goistais might be a mistaken graphic of goes, the “goet”, that is, the “magician, the sorcerer, the charmer, the magus”. This hypothesis becomes even more seducing as the expression introduced by “dia” is typical of these casters of chance and soothsayers well-known by the classical texts. According to this supposition, the writing could then be translated either as “by Chrestos/Christos the magician”, or “the magician by Chrestos/Christos”.

New Children Book

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

2000 años bajo el Mar, Seuil jeunesse, 2008 ISBN: 9788497543453-86796

Two new Books

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Geoarchaeology: Underwater Archaeology in the Canopic region in Egypt Institut of Archaeology
University of Oxford, 2007 ISBN: 978-0-9549627-4-6

The Naos of the Decades: Underwater Archaeology in the Canopic region in Egypt
Institut of Archaeology, University of Oxford, 2008 ISBN: 978-1-905905-04-1

Canopic Region: Mission Report 2008

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT

The autumn mission 2008 made it possible once more to expand our knowledge of the two main sunken sites found in the Bay of Aboukir, i.e. Thonis-Heracleion and East Canopus. The underwater research was carefully planned taking into account the overall archaeological and geomorphologic data available. Observation of the current seabed conditions using new geophysical prospecting equipment made it possible to reveal in close details the original topographic layout of the sites and to adapt any excavation work according to the results.

A prospection program and several new surveys have been implemented in order to compare data and define accurately the different interpretations relating to the occupation of the sites, construction works, and the causes that led to their destruction. The work to be carried out at Thonis-Heracleion involved checking a certain number of specific issues relating to the position of the many ancient wrecks brought to surface, and outlining the layout of the “sacred” and “urban” sectors of the cities; in particular, any access points to the harbour infrastructures. Therefore, the discovery of archaeological furniture, anthropic facilities possibly relating to former checkpoints, and new wrecks has made it possible to confirm the existence of a passage between the old Canopic branch of the Nile and the southern harbour basin of Thonis-Heracleion.

An astonishing discovery was made while carry on research activities at the “Eastern Passage”. Together with beautiful imported figured vases dating from the 5th - 4th century BC, a limestone statuette head was found buried in a layer of gray sand. According to Professor Zsolt Kiss, “The smooth face features a broad nose with well-defined nostrils, and a mouth adopting an expression close to what is known as “antique” smile that are characteristic of Greek sculptures dating from the 4th century BC. On the other hand, the outline of the lips matches the style of the “traditional” sculpture from late 6th- early 5th century BC, and which are characteristic features of the Cypriot limestone sculptures belonging to said period. The attention to detail given to the eyes is also astonishing - They have been conceived using two smooth oval-shaped plates, probably painted; only previously found on Cypriot statues. The headwear is nevertheless enigmatic. In typical Cypriot sculpture and coroplastic art, warriors are seen wearing often a conical helmet. However, none of the specimen found shows at the back this broad extension protecting the nape of the neck. The headwear observed here resembles a lot more to a kind of felt or fabric bonnet than to a helmet (…). It may have been a ceremonial headwear that would have suited perfectly a divinity of Semitic origin such as Baal. Our conclusion is that this statuette head may have belonged to a representation of the Cypriot god (Baal) dating from late 6th- early 5th century BC; a period during which Cyprus as well as Egypt were within the sphere of influence of the Achaemenid Empire. It is not uncommon to discover such a votive offering at Heracleion, whose contacts with Cyprus have been consistently confirmed. Finally, it would be really tempting to find there an effigy of Melquart; a god equated to Heracles”.

At East Canopus, archaeological research has made it possible to accurately define the layout of the old city structures and to learn about their different chronological periods. The architectural studies of the large building constructed using limestone blocks (probably corresponding to the temple of Serapis mentioned in ancient texts) have been continued. Archaeological material such as jewellery, cross pendants, coins and seals dating from the Byzantine period also confirms the hypothesis of the presence of a large Christian settlement. Among the many pieces of jewellery discovered stands out an octagonal ring beautifully decorated with a cabochon sapphire. The excavations have revealed once again many fragments from statues that seem to have been discarded and reused as fill material; they do not dissipate at all the hypothetic attacks of the Christians on pagan sanctuaries taking place between the 4th and 5th century AD.

Exhibition of "Egypt’s Sunken Treasures" - February/May 2009 - Italy

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:00:00 GMT

From 7 February through 31 May 2009 “Egypt’s Sunken Treasures” is on display at the Venaria Reale, a former Savoy residence near Turin (Italian title: “Egitto. Tesori Sommersi”). The international exhibition with archaeological finds from the ancient Portus Magnus of Alexandria and the sunken cities of Canopus and Heracleion was previously shown in Germany, France and Spain with great success. About 2 Million visitors have seen the exhibition so far. The exhibition at the Venaria Reale is designed by the renowned American avant-garde stage director and artist Robert Wilson.

New images - Gallery - Madrid

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Egypt's Sunken Treasures - Madrid (Apr. – Dec. 08)

New images - Gallery - Turin

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Egypt's Sunken Treasures - Turin (Feb – June 09)

In the News - Russian

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Aeroflot inflight Magazine - March 09 | Тайны бухты Абу-Кир

UNESCO Convention

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Video: UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage

Gallery Yokohama - new images

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

We have put some new images into our gallery.

In the News - Japanese

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Japan - 2009 | Japan 2009

In the News - Japanese

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Asahi Shimbun - March 2009 | Asahi Shimbun – March 2009

In the News - Italian

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

National Geographic Italia - February 2009 | La Pompei sommersa in mostra

In the News - German

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Magazin Aachener Zeit - 14. Juli 2007 | Goddios Welt

In the News - German

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Der Spiegel - 38/2008 | Heiliger Gral vom Nil

In the News - German

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Rundschau extra - 2007/2008 | Ägyptens versunkene Schätze

In the News - German

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Mobil Deutsche Bahn - September 2007 | Schätze aus der See

In the News - French

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Connaissance des Arts - December 2006 | Vingt mille dieux sous les mers

In the News - French

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Historia - December 2006 | Les trésors engloutis de l’Egypte

In the News - French

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Enjeux Mediterranee - March 2007 | Des trésors enfouis

In the News - French

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Geo decouverte - 2007 | Franck Goddio

In the News - French

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Télérama hors série - December 2006 | Les dessous des cartes

In the News - French

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Paris Match - December 2006 | Les dieux de l’Egypte retrouvent un grand palais

Alexandria - Mission Report 2009

Sun, 17 jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Mission Report 2009

During the mission in 2008, we surveyed the seabed with new instruments for geophysical prospection, which made it possible to document the ancient topography of the two sites (the Bay of Aboukir and Alexandria harbour) in greater detail. The results of this new high-precision survey made it possible to select new targets for excavation in 2009.

In the Bay of Aboukir a survey and excavation program was set up to further investigate the morphology of the submerged landscape, the configuration of human communities across it, and the phenomena of their destruction. In Thônis-Heracleion, we also examined a number of interesting "anomalies" observed to the north of the site on the geophysical prospection maps.

In Alexandria archaeological excavations and visual examinations were carried out in the western part of the Portus Magnus. According to the ancient texts this was, where the "Navalia" were located. These powerful facilities were set up under the Ptolemies and maintained under the Roman Empire. They were composed of many arsenals and warehouses that ensured the smooth running of international trade in the harbour, which contributed immeasurably to the prosperity and glory of Alexandria. The archaeological remains discovered in the excavations correspond to the construction of a path topped with limestone blocks and bedded upon mortar and wooden piles. The roadway, probably connected the island of Pharos to moles and a pier , against which ships could berth and load or unload their precious cargoes.

In the port of Antirhodos, an important dike made out of limestone and mortar blocks was located. The passage between the island of Antirhodos and the mole, which was perpendicular to the ancient coastline, was confirmed. The passageway allows access to the royal ports while at the same time ensuring close control over it. The research has thus once again has made it possible to determine the complexity of the infrastructure of the harbour. The archaeological information allows us to understand how ships and their crews navigated between the different harbour basins.

"Cleopatra - The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt" - Exhibition premiers in Philadelphia

Sun, 17 jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

"Cleopatra - The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt" - Exhibition premiers in Philadelphia

Finds from the expeditions of Franck Goddio and his team off the coast of Egypt will be on display at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in June 2010. The exhibition "Cleopatra - The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt" will be shown in five North American cities. It is organized by National Geographic and Arts & Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and the IEASM. For information please visit:

New Book: La stèle de Ptlolémée VIII Évergète II à Héracléion: Underwater Archaeology in the Canopic region in Egypt

Sun, 17 jan 2010 12:00:00 GMT

La stèle de Ptlolémée VIII Évergète II à Héracléion: Underwater Archaeology in the Canopic region in Egypt
Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology, University of Oxford, 2009 ISBN: 978-1-905905-05-8

Alexandria - Mission Report 2010

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Mission Report 2010

The 2010 mission of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), in collaboration with the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, took place from the 15th of April until the 28th of May. Franck Goddio directed the team, which was comprised of about twenty people, including two Egyptologists, two Greco-Roman experts, a ceramic specialist, a coin specialist, a photographer, two engineers and eleven archaeological divers.

Excavation was undertaken in order to obtain a better understanding of the archaeological remains previously identified by geo-magnetic surveys and surface cleaning at the site of Heracleion-Thônis in Aboukir Bay and in the Portus Magnus of Alexandria. The team continued with a number of well established research objectives in order to further develop the interpretation of the topography, refine the chronology of the occupation of the sites and their territories, as well as understand the phenomena of their destruction.

Portus Magnus of Alexandria

The 2010 mission in the Portus Magnus of Alexandria was designed to extend our knowledge about areas where the archaeological assessment had been conducted in previous years: the island of Antirhodos, the Poseidium Peninsula and the ancient coast. This work was intended to both clarify the development of port infrastructures and to continue to study the architectural structures of the ‘palace’ and ‘temple’ of the island of Antirhodos. A programme of survey and the opening of of limited excavations were performed in order to investigate a certain number of points of detail regarding the size, distribution and the chronological time frame of buildings, which belonged to the royal quarter of the eastern harbour.

In particular, the difficulty in defining the dimensions of the monument built of limestone blocks found on the main branch of the island of Antirhodos, made it necessary to extend the research area to the south (along the port basin). While it is still too early to establish a complete account of the building, the artefacts discovered give some chronological indications, for example, an oil lamp with a boar motif dating from the first century AD (see picture at the top).

Fieldwork conducted on the eastern side of the secondary branch of the island of Antirhodos have confirmed the presence of large size buildings (see picture in the middle). The discovery of eroded limestone blocks, fragments of wall covering, mosaics, friezes, and a 30 cm tall bronze statuette representing Zeus or Poseidon are the most important finds of this campaign. It will be important to return to these excavations next year.

However, the information already gathered indicates that we are witnessing the collapse of a building, probably in correspondence with the destruction of the eastern part of Antirhodos. This is the same area from which the statue of a priest carrying a Canopic jar was found along with sphinxes of Ptolemy XII, suggesting the site of a temple dedicated to Isis.

It should be noted that the multi-beam survey map drawn in 2007 indicates a ‘split’ in the ground to the north-east of the southern part of the island of Antirhodos. This ‘split’ could be a fault resulting from the seismic event that caused the destruction of these monuments. Future research will test this hypothesis. Below the levels of the building collapse complete amphorae were discovered (see picture at the bottom). They give a further indication of the presence of a port in this area and provide a snapshot of the vitality of trade in Roman Alexandria.

Canopic Region - Mission Report 2010

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Mission Report 2010

Heracleion-Thônis (Aboukir Bay)

At the site of Heracleion-Thônis the mission concentrated its activities on the exploration of spaces close to the main shrine dedicated to Amun Gereb. A programme of prospection was also intended to clarify the scope and structure of the primary ‘sacred’ sector of the city. Among the objects discovered are a bronze ladle whose handle is decorated at one end with a duck’s head, a bronze box and a perfectly preserved bronze statuette of Harpocrates (see picture at the top). This nude, seated statuette wears a blue crown and resembles another statuette unearthed last year representing a Saite pharaoh of the XXVI Dynasty (6th century BC), wearing the same crown.

As well as the architectural surveys, fieldwork was mainly directed at the periphery of the temple, in order to investigate the organisation of structures in this area. For example, we returned to the south of the temple, which was first surveyed in 2009, which allowed us to investigate the port infrastructure of the sanctuary.

Archaeological excavations have clearly defined the zone of collapse, including well-preserved archaeological material, such as Ptolemaic pottery of the 2-3rd century BC (see picture in the middle), coins dating from the reign of Ptolemy VI (180-145 BC) and various architectural elements including columns and capitals, which undoubtedly belonged to temple structures.

The discovery of numerous amphorae (see picture at the bottom) during the survey has provided additional information about Heracleion-Thônis and its economic role as an emporion and customs post in Egypt in pre-Ptolemaic times (8-4th century BC).

Cleopatra exhibition in Cincinnati

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:00:00 GMT

The world of Cleopatra VII will surface in Cincinnati on February 18, 2011 when "Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt" opens its doors. Cincinnati Museum Center was selected as the second stop for the US exhibition tour after the Franklin Institute/Philadelphia. Finds from the expeditions of Franck Goddio and his team off the coast of Egypt will be on display. The exhibition is organized by National Geographic and Arts & Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and the IEASM.

Members Only: Newsletter March 2011

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:00:00 GMT

We would like to take this opportunity to update you about our activities and provide first hand information about the ongoing missions.

Cleopatra exhibition at the Milwaukee Public Museum

Mon, 5 Sep 2011 12:00:00 GMT

The exhibition Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt with finds from the expeditions of Franck Goddio and his team off the coast of Egypt will be on display at the Milwaukee Public Museum from October 14, 2011 until April 2012. It is the third stop on the exhibition’s world tour, which is organized by National Geographic and Arts & Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and IEASM.

Alexandria - Mission Report 2011

Sat, 7 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Mission Report 2011

The European Institute for Underwater Archaeology’s 2011 mission took place in Egypt from 15th September to 30th October. The excavations concerned the site of the ancient port city of Heracleion-Thonis to the West of the Nile Delta (Aboukir Bay) and the Eastern port of Alexandria (Portus Magnus). With the collaboration of the Supreme Council for Antiquities, they were directed by Franck Goddio assisted by around twenty people including an Egyptologist, a ceramics specialist, a restorer/conservator, two engineers, a photographer, a videographer and eleven archaeological divers. They also involved two members of the National Museum of the Philippines who had been working with Franck Goddio for several years on shipwreck excavations in the Philippines. As the co-founder of the Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology, the IEASM also welcomed aboard The Princess Duda the Centre's director who focused his work on the excavation of an ancient shipwreck with the assistance of three Oxford University students. Furthermore, the IEASM also made its logistics available to two Oxford University students so that they could finalise their doctorate thesis on objects recovered from the excavations and kept at the Maritime Museum of Alexandria. Finally, the team received a visit from Andrew Meadows, Deputy Director of the American Numismatic Society, who had come to study the coins discovered on the sites of Alexandria, East Canopus and Heracleion-Thonis.

Portus Magnus of Alexandria

The programme of explorations and surveys that got underway in 2010 in Alexandria on one of the branches of Antirhodos Island raised hopes of interesting discoveries during this mission. The field work in this part of Portus Magnus confirmed the presence of a major building of limestone blocks with wall, mosaic and frieze facings (see top image). The archaeological information gathered indicates that it is the collapsed levels of a building belonging to the same architectural complex as the structures in ruin discovered on the East bank of this branch of Antirhodos. The statue of the priest carrying a Canopic vase and sphinxes representing Ptolemy XII which marked the site of a temple probably dedicated to Isis were found there. The excavation work confirmed the results of the geophysical explorations indicating a “split” in the substrate to the North-East of the Southern branch of Antirhodos Island, most likely caused by a seismic phenomenon that had destroyed the monuments towards the end of the 1st or beginning of the 2nd century A.D.

Surface explorations and surveys were conducted in parallel to this excavation to determine the topography of the entire Eastern Port of Alexandria, characterise architectural elements and structures or even locate shipwrecks. The explorations previously conducted in 2009 to the South of the central reef had enabled us to arrive at the assumption that a major structure faced the large breakwater at the end of the Poseidium peninsula; it was intended to break the swell entering from the main channel and reflected by Antirhodos Island. Both of them would have formed a channel providing access to the Royal ports while ensuring tight control. This assumption itself emphasized the complexity of the port infrastructures at Port Magnus and confirmed its “marvellously closed” nature (Strabon, Géographie, XVII, 28). A series of explorations and surveys were conducted in this area, taking account of the questions remaining concerning the organisation of such installations. For the time being, it appears that all of the structures carved into the limestone substrate were severely eroded and damaged. In the future, ad hoc surveys will be conducted to find and characterise any traces of occupation. Research was also conducted at several points on the Poseidium Peninsula, in particular to the South-East on the ancient coast, on a large quadrangular structure around twenty metres in length built from limestone blocks. It could be the relics of a fortification or even an element of the wall that ran along the seafront, a defence structure intended to protect the Royal Palaces district. The palace district indeed had its own defence system, as Cesar withstood a siege by the Alexandrians there.

Canopic Region - Mission Report 2011

Sat, 7 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Mission Report 2011

Heracleion-Thonis (Aboukir Bay)

The archaeological excavations conducted after the geophysical results had been interpreted again determined the topography of the city of Heracleion-Thonis which was the border police and customs point and the emporion where products imported by the Greeks circulated from the 7th century B.C. This port clearly saw intense activity: over sixty shipwrecks mostly dating from between the 6th century B.C. and the 2nd century B.C. have been found. This evidence ensures appreciation of the importance of the port of Heracleion-Thonis and is exceptional documentation for studying naval architecture in Egypt in a specific historical and archaeological context. According to this line of research, the excavation of Shipwreck 17, a 28m long boat from the 5th or 4th century B.C. assembled using a specific planking technique which was most probably Egyptian, was continued and completed this year. Furthermore, the excavation of Shipwreck 11 which began in 2010 was partly resumed to finish studying the naval architecture details of this small sycamore river vessel dating from the 4th century B.C. Shipwreck 43 discovered during our 2007 explorations and dating from the middle of the 1st millennium B.C. was the subject of excavation work. The research focused on two areas at the bow and stern of the vessel. This first stage of the work consisted in understanding the stratigraphy of the shipwreck recovery levels to assess the vessel's condition and document its structural elements in order to prepare the actual excavation.

The mission’s activities were also devoted to the areas neighbouring the main temple dedicated to Amon-Gereb. The programme of explorations and surveys was extended to determining the types of structures in the city’s main "sacred” district and their perimeter. This year, another “sacred” district was revealed north of the site. It was in particular in this ancient part of the city that items of bronze furniture inscribed with hieroglyphs and instruments of worship had been discovered. Twelve finely-worked parallelepiped limestone boxes with covers were discovered during the excavations. They could be sarcophagi intended for mummies of small animals (ibises or falcons). They are associated with rich archaeological material: imported fine ceramics mainly dating from the 6th century B.C., worship furniture, statuettes of divinities, votive anchors. The most remarkable objects uncovered include an item of bronze furniture with an incised decor of processions of divinities including Heracleion-Thonis's tutelary gods, Amon, Mout and Khonsou with cartouches of Pharaoh Amasis (570-526 B.C.).