A recent archaeological discovery at Egypt\u2019s Taposiris Magna temple could bring researchers one step closer to uncovering the long-lost tomb of Cleopatra VII.<\/p>\n
The finding, a small sculpted bust that may depict the last queen of Egypt, has reignited global interest in the decades-long search led by Dominican archaeologist and National Geographic explorer Dr. Kathleen Mart\u00ednez.<\/p>\n
The search for Egypt\u2019s last queen<\/p>\n
For nearly 20 years, Mart\u00ednez has dedicated her work to locating Cleopatra\u2019s burial site, a mystery that has eluded archaeologists for centuries. Her team has been excavating Taposiris Magna, a temple located west of Alexandria, once thought to hold little significance. However, discoveries over the years have suggested otherwise.<\/p>\n
Among the most notable finds are hundreds of coins<\/a> bearing Cleopatra\u2019s image, pottery dating back to her reign, and a bust believed to represent her father. The temple\u2019s foundation deposits also contained a glass plaque confirming it was dedicated to the goddess Isis, the deity Cleopatra identified with during her reign from 51 BCE to 30 BCE.<\/p>\n The most recent discovery, a small head unearthed from the sand, could be particularly significant. The figure\u2019s distinct nose and diadem-like headdress have led Mart\u00ednez to believe it might portray Cleopatra herself. \u201cThere are only seven images of Cleopatra all over the world,\u201d Mart\u00ednez told IFLScience<\/a>. \u201cSo there\u2019s not really a singular image that\u2019s considered in confirming that it\u2019s her. In this case, we depend on specialists, but we are very optimistic because of the context in which it was discovered.\u201d<\/p>\n If confirmed, this would be only the eighth known depiction of Cleopatra, offering a rare glimpse into how she chose to represent herself as both monarch and divine embodiment of Isis.<\/p>\n Hidden tunnels and sunken structures<\/p>\n The team\u2019s findings at Taposiris Magna extend far beyond the temple grounds. Archaeologists uncovered a vast underground tunnel leading toward the sea, where the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities later confirmed the presence of submerged, human-made structures, the remains of an ancient port<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to ancient maps, the region once formed a peninsula dotted with small islands. Historical evidence suggests that a powerful earthquake and tsunami<\/a> struck Alexandria centuries ago, causing much of the land to sink into the Mediterranean. Mart\u00ednez and her team are now investigating whether the tunnel once connected the temple to one of these islands, and if it could have served as Cleopatra\u2019s secret passage to her final resting place.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat we were doing the last two years with Dr. Robert Ballard and Dr. Larry Mayer was mapping the structures to identify locations where we can dive,\u201d Mart\u00ednez explained to IFLScience. \u201cToday it\u2019s open sea, and it\u2019s very hard to dive, conditions are dangerous, and it\u2019s a military zone.\u201d<\/p>\n Mapping the underwater area has allowed the team to pinpoint potential excavation sites. \u201cThe magnificent work that Dr. Ballard and Dr. Mayer did was to prepare a map, and from there we now have the coordinates,\u201d Mart\u00ednez said. \u201cThis season that we are planning to start next week is to go with the team and dive, and actually start the excavation.\u201d<\/p>\n A step closer to history<\/p>\n Though confirmation may take time, the discoveries at Taposiris Magna continue to fuel speculation that Cleopatra\u2019s tomb lies nearby. For Mart\u00ednez, each find, from the coins and pottery to the recently unearthed bust, strengthens the case that this ancient temple<\/a> complex once played a vital role in the queen\u2019s final days.<\/p>\n