In the center of the ancient city of Taposiris Magna, archaeologists have discovered an amazing structure, which they call a “geometric miracle.” Under the ruins of an ancient temple, they found a vast tunnel of an unusual shape.
Professor Kathleen Martinez from the University of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and her team are excavating the missing tomb of Cleopatra VII. However, instead of stumbling upon the queen's grave, they discovered a tunnel 13 meters underground. This 2 meter high tunnel stretches 1305 meters in sandstone.
“This design reminds us of the famous Eupalinos Tunnel on the island of Samos. It is a true geometric marvel and questions about its purpose make us wonder about ancient engineering mysteries,” says Professor Martinez.
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Taposiris Magna tunnel is remarkably similar in structure to the Eupalinos Aqueduct, created in the 6th century BC on the island of Samos. This pipeline was famous for its engineering design and construction.
Parts of the Taposiris Magna tunnel were submerged in water. Despite the similarities with the Eupalinos Tunnel, the real purpose of this architectural work remains a mystery.
Professor Martinez, who has worked at Taposiris Magna since 2004, says the tunnel will help uncover the mysteries surrounding the tomb of Cleopatra VII. Previous excavations have already yielded clues pointing to the presence of traces of Cleopatra and the last of the Ptolemies.
The city of Taposiris Magna, founded around 280 BC by Ptolemy II, is dedicated to the god Osiris and the goddess Isis. This deity was of particular importance to Cleopatra herself, which is supported by finds of coins and figurines of Isis, as well as images of Alexander the Great.
Archaeologists hope that future work may reveal new information about its connection with the tombs of Cleopatra and Mark Anton.
Professor Kathleen Martinez from the University of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and her team are excavating the missing tomb of Cleopatra VII. However, instead of stumbling upon the queen's grave, they discovered a tunnel 13 meters underground. This 2 meter high tunnel stretches 1305 meters in sandstone.
“This design reminds us of the famous Eupalinos Tunnel on the island of Samos. It is a true geometric marvel and questions about its purpose make us wonder about ancient engineering mysteries,” says Professor Martinez.
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Taposiris Magna tunnel is remarkably similar in structure to the Eupalinos Aqueduct, created in the 6th century BC on the island of Samos. This pipeline was famous for its engineering design and construction.
Parts of the Taposiris Magna tunnel were submerged in water. Despite the similarities with the Eupalinos Tunnel, the real purpose of this architectural work remains a mystery.
Professor Martinez, who has worked at Taposiris Magna since 2004, says the tunnel will help uncover the mysteries surrounding the tomb of Cleopatra VII. Previous excavations have already yielded clues pointing to the presence of traces of Cleopatra and the last of the Ptolemies.
The city of Taposiris Magna, founded around 280 BC by Ptolemy II, is dedicated to the god Osiris and the goddess Isis. This deity was of particular importance to Cleopatra herself, which is supported by finds of coins and figurines of Isis, as well as images of Alexander the Great.
Archaeologists hope that future work may reveal new information about its connection with the tombs of Cleopatra and Mark Anton.