Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery beneath a temple in the ancient city of Taposiris Magna. A tunnel, described as a 'geometric miracle,' was unearthed 13 meters below the ground during an excavation led by researchers from the University of Santo Domingo. This impressive structure, measuring 2 meters in height and spanning an astonishing 1,305 meters through sandstone, has drawn comparisons to the Tunnel of Eupalinos in Samos, Greece, known for its engineering brilliance.
The purpose of the tunnel remains a mystery, with parts of it submerged in water. The lead archaeologist, who has been searching for Cleopatra VII's tomb in Taposiris Magna since 2004, sees the tunnel as a promising clue. The city, founded around 280 BCE, is believed to have been dedicated to the gods Osiris and Isis, with whom Cleopatra had strong associations.
Excavations have uncovered figurines of Isis, as well as coins featuring Cleopatra and Alexander the Great. The team's future plans include exploring the Mediterranean Sea nearby, where parts of the temple collapsed due to earthquakes between 320 and 1303 CE. Previous digs have revealed a network of tunnels stretching from Lake Mariout to the sea.
The tunnel has already yielded treasures such as a limestone block and pottery fragments. The former Minister for Antiquities expressed the significance of the ongoing search, stating that the discovery of Cleopatra and Mark Antony's tomb would be monumental. Even without such a find, the team has made significant discoveries within and around the temple.
As further exploration unfolds, the hope is to uncover more about the purpose of the tunnel and its potential connection to the elusive tombs of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. The ongoing work in Taposiris Magna continues to captivate the archaeological world with its intriguing finds and the promise of unlocking ancient secrets.
