In the ancient ruined city of Taposiris Magna, a remarkable archaeological discovery has left experts in awe. Hidden beneath a temple, researchers have uncovered a vast tunnel that has been described as a 'geometric miracle.' This incredible structure was found by Kathleen Martinez and her team from the University of Santo Domingo during an ongoing excavation of the temple.
Situated 13 meters below the ground, this 2-meter tall tunnel has been meticulously carved through an astounding 1,305 meters of sandstone. The design of the tunnel bears resemblance to the Tunnel of Eupalinos—a 6th-century BC aqueduct on the Greek island of Samos, renowned for its engineering marvels. This finding further emphasizes the grandeur and brilliance of the Taposiris Magna tunnel.
Although the purpose of the tunnel remains a mystery, parts of it are submerged in water, adding an additional layer of intrigue. Kathleen Martinez, who has been dedicatedly working in Taposiris Magna since 2004, searching for the lost tomb of Cleopatra VII, believes that this tunnel could hold promising leads in their quest. The city of Taposiris Magna was established around 280 BCE by Ptolemy II, the son of Alexander the Great's esteemed general. The team believes that the temple was dedicated to the god Osiris and his queen, the goddess Isis, who Cleopatra had a strong association with. Remarkably, numerous figurines of Isis, as well as coins bearing the names and faces of Cleopatra and Alexander the Great, have been unearthed at the site.
Continued exploration in the area may shed light on whether this newly discovered tunnel could potentially lead to the long-lost tombs of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. The next steps for the team involve venturing into the nearby Mediterranean Sea. Between 320 and 1303 CE, a series of devastating earthquakes struck the coast, causing parts of the temple to collapse and be claimed by the waves. Previous excavations have revealed a network of tunnels that extend from Lake Mariout to the Mediterranean. Undoubtedly, further investigation could provide more insights and discoveries.
Although the tunnel has already offered some treasures, such as a rectangular block of limestone and fragments of pottery, the potential discovery of Cleopatra and Mark Antony's tombs would undeniably mark one of the most significant finds of the 21st century. As Zahi Hawass, the former Minister for Antiquities, stated in 2009, 'If we discover the tomb of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, it will be the most important discovery of the 21st century. If we did not discover the tomb of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, we made major discoveries here, inside the temple and outside the temple.'
The ongoing excavation and exploration efforts in Taposiris Magna continue to captivate experts and enthusiasts alike, holding the promise of unlocking the mysteries of this ancient city and potentially revealing the long-lost resting place of two iconic historical figures.
