Mission Report 2008

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.