“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: [email protected]