Abu Qir Sunken Monuments, a fascinating archaeological site located near Alexandria, Egypt.

The Abu Qir Sunken Monuments consist of a group of underwater temples and tombs that date back to the Ptolemaic and Roman eras. These monuments were submerged due to sedimentation and changes in sea level, and they remained hidden beneath the waves for centuries until they were rediscovered in the 20th century.

The most famous of the sunken monuments is the Temple of Hercules, which was dedicated to the Roman god of strength and is said to have been built by the Roman Emperor Caligula. The temple features intricate carvings and sculptures, including depictions of Hercules and other gods.

Another notable monument at the site is the Temple of Bacchus, which was dedicated to the Greek god of wine and was built during the Ptolemaic era. The temple is adorned with beautiful reliefs and sculptures, including depictions of Bacchus and his followers.

In addition to the temples, the Abu Qir Sunken Monuments also include several tombs, including the Tomb of the Bulls, which is located near the Temple of Hercules. The tomb features impressive carvings of bulls and other animals, as well as depictions of the deceased and their families.

Exploring the Abu Qir Sunken Monuments is a unique and exciting experience for both divers and non-divers alike. The submerged temples and tombs offer a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean world.

Overall, the Abu Qir Sunken Monuments are a fascinating and important archaeological site that offer a unique glimpse into the past. If you’re ever in the Alexandria area, be sure to check them out!

History of Abu qir Sunken monuments

Abu Qir is the Northwest of Alexandria. Over there, the archaeologists explored the sunken cities of Heracleion and Canopus in 1992. Heracleion, also known as Thonis, was an ancient Egyptian city near Alexandria. Its ruins in Abu Qir Bay, currently 2.5 km off the coast, under 10 m (30 ft) of water.

Its legendary beginnings goes back to the 12th century BC. It mentioned by ancient Greek historians. Its importance grew particularly during the waning days of the Pharaohs. It was Egypt’s main port for international trade and collection of taxes. Heracleion originally built on some adjoining islands in the Nile Delta. It intersected by canals. Moreover, it possessed many harbors and anchorages. It was the sister city of Naucratis which superseded by Alexandria. Furthermore, it believed that Paris and Helen of Troy stranded in Abu Qir Sunken cities. It was on their flight from the jealous Menelaus.

This was before the Trojan war began. Menelaus and Helen had stayed there, accommodated by the noble Egyptian Thon and Polydamna . Also, it believed that Heracles himself visited the city and the city gained its name from him. Abu Qir Sunken cities had a large temple of Khonsou, son of Amun, who known to the Greeks as Herakles. Further details about about Abu Qir Sunken cities:Later, the worship of Amun became more prominent. Heracleion flourished especially from the 6th to the 4th century BC. It revealed by many archaeological finds. Pharaoh Nectanebo I made many additions to the temple in the 4th century B.C.