Excavation mission uncovers Roman antiquities in Abu Qir

CAIRO – 22 November 2017: Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, announced on Tuesday that an excavation mission discovered three shipwrecks and some historical pieces in Abu Qir, according to the official page of the Ministry of Antiquities.


Antiquities excavated - Photo courtesy of Ministry of Antiquities

The European Institute of Underwater Archeology has collaborated with the Egyptian mission in uncovering historical pieces that date back to the Roman era, such as three royal heads of Antonio “the commander of armies” carved in crystal and three gold coins. In the city of Heraklion, they discovered a votive bark of the god Osiris.


Antiquities excavated - Photo courtesy of Ministry of Antiquities

Osama El-Nahas, head of Central Department of Underwater Antiquities, mentioned in the statement that the uncovered large wooden planks and archaeological remains of pottery vessels might represent the cargo of a fourth shipwreck.


Antiquities excavated - Photo courtesy of Ministry of Antiquities

The archaeological mission started its excavations last September after the approval of the Permanent Committee of Egyptian Antiquities, according to Ayman Ashmawy, head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector.