While exploring a canal on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, underwater archaeologists discovered a sunken temple and a sanctuary filled with ancient treasures.

The temple, which was partially destroyed “during the disaster” in the mid-2nd century BC, was originally built for the god Amun. This is the ancient Egyptian god of the black sky, air. Later, during the New Kingdom – the Sun god (Amon-Ra). According to a statement from the European Institute of Underwater Archeology (IEASM), the pharaohs went to the temple “to receive the titles of their power as universal kings from the supreme god of the ancient Egyptian pantheon.”

The now abandoned building was once part of the ancient port city of Tonis-Heraklion on Abu Kir Bay. It is now under water about 7 km from the modern coast of Egypt. It was destroyed by a strong earthquake.

IEASM representatives write that while exploring the temple, archaeologists uncovered many treasures and secrets, including silver ritual tools, gold ornaments and alabaster vessels. They were once used to store perfume or oily ointments.

The statement also stated that divers in the area, B.C. It was stated that they discovered underground structures supported by “well-preserved” wooden poles and beams, dating back to the 5th century.

“It is very impressive to discover such fragile objects that remained intact despite the brutality and scale of the disaster,” said French underwater archaeologist and IEASM president Franck Goddio, who led the excavation.

To the east of the temple, archaeologists discovered a Greek temple dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and numerous artifacts, including imported bronze and ceramic objects. “This indicates the presence of Greeks who were allowed to trade and settle in the city during the reign of the pharaohs of the Saite dynasty between 688 BC and 525 BC. “For example, there were sacred sites for their gods,” the archaeologists write in a statement.