Mission Report 2007

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.