For centuries, archaeologists searched for the vestiges of Queen Cleopatra VII, the last Ptolemaic ruler of the Egyptian empire. She ruled ancient Egypt until 30 B.C. In 1992, the Franck Goddio Society (FGS) discovered ruins from the submerged city of Alexandria, the hub of Cleopatra’s monarchy. In 1996, FGS presented a map of the city and the precious findings of Port Magnus at Alexandria. Prior to the FGS excavation, the city of Alexandria was lost for over 1600 years.
The city of Alexandria is said to be “the largest and most magnificent city in antiquity,” by the FGS. Architecture in Alexandria rivaled that of ancient Rome. There Cleopatra VII, ruler of Egypt and Queen of Roman hearts, staged one of the world’s most infamous love scandals. Her affair with Julius Caesar solidified her claim to the throne after the birth of their son Caesarion.
When Julius Caesar was assassinated, Cleopatra VII allied herself romantically with Mark Antony, a close comrade of Julius Caesar. In 31 B.C., Mark Antony and Roman Republic leader Octavian broke alliances and civil war erupted between the two. After Mark Antony was defeated by Octavian, he and Cleopatra committed suicide.
Clues about the life and times of Cleopatra VII are now being pieced together by the FGS’ team of twenty experts. Sunken temples and the palace of Cleopatra are answering questions about one of history’s most interesting women.
Articles excavated by the FGS at Port Magnus, Alexandria were relatively intact. Fortunately, sediment protected artifacts from sea water damage. The 2010 Mission Report by the FGS lists several items that were hidden beneath the ocean’s surface at Port Magnus, Alexandria.
The team found two sphinxes, one thought to be modeled after Cleopatra VII’s father, Ptolemy XII Auletes. The team also discovered a stone covering that experts believe is modeled after Caesarion, the Queens’ son and co-ruler of Egypt during her reign.
An exhibit of the archaeological findings of the excavation was recently on display at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA. The exhibition was titled Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt. The exhibition is moving to Cincinnati, OH in February of this year. The exhibit will be open 18 February through 5 September 2011. The tour is said to continue throughout several other North American cities.
The ruins of the palace and temple of Cleopatra are an underwater gateway to the ancient world. The story of Cleopatra VII is far from merely a short chapter in the text of ancient history. The project at Port Magnus, Alexandria is rousing curiosities about the ancient beauty Cleopatra and her tumultuous grip on the Roman Republic and Egypt.
The findings of nautical archaeologists at Port Magnus, Alexandria will tell a timeless tale of love, betrayal, and back-handed politics in a booming metropolis of the ancient world. History buffs can hardly wait to learn more about the infamous Cleopatra and how her sultry political savvy shaped history forever.
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