L’Orient

Franck Goddio and his team excavated in 1998/1999 the wreckage of sunken ships from part of General Napoleon Bonaparte’s fleet. The results are astonishing!

Franck Goddio: On the night of August 1, 1998, exactly two centuries after the battle, we were anchored at the site of the drama - and the story of Nelson’s and Bonaparte’s fleets began came to life once again.

What happened

General Bonaparte’s fleet was almost completely destroyed by the British under Admiral Horatio Nelson in the famous Battle of Aboukir in 1798. As a result of serious logistical errors, 17,000 men died and eleven of the French fleet’s frigates were sunk or captured.

When in time

August 1, 1798: The Orient, flagship of the French fleet, exploded shortly after 22.00 hours. The fireball could be seen at a distance of 20 km. This tremendous explosion was followed by several minutes of silence –the shock realizing the total destruction.

Where did it happen

The Nile Delta at Aboukir had always been known as the gateway to Egypt and its riches. Nearly 2,000 years after Alexander the Great, it was thus no surprise that another great commander – Napoleon Bonaparte – decided to venture into Egypt. His plans were brought to an abrupt end at Aboukir Bay.