A monumental discovery was made in Egypt last week by the Ministry of Antiquities’ Underwater Archaeology Department and the European Institute of Underwater Archaeology. Off the coast of the northern city of Alexandria, in its Abu Qir Bay, archaeologists found three sunken, millennia-old shipwrecks.

The wrecks contained numerous treasures which are dated back to the Roman Empire. In addition to finding a head sculpture carved into a crystal, the remains of pottery, and large pieces of wood, archaeologists found three gold coins that date to the time of ancient Rome’s first emperor, Augustus — also known as Augustus Caesar Octavian.

Credit: Provided by IBT Media (UK)

As MSN reports, Augustus became emperor after his great-uncle Julius Caesar was assassinated. His rule brought peace and stability to the Greco-Roman world for about 40 years.

The breakthrough discovery was confirmed by the head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities on Facebook.

أعلن الدكتور مصطفى وزيري الأمين العام للمجلس الأعلى للآثار الكشف عن حطام ثلاث سفن تعود للعصر الروماني، وذلك أثناء أعمال …

Posted by ‎Ministry of Antiquities وزارة الآثار‎ on Tuesday, November 21, 2017

According to Osama A-Nahas, the head of the Underwater Archaeology Department at the Ministry, the eastern harbor of Alexandria likely retains many archaeological wonders. He told Egyptian news site Al-Ahram that a fourth shipwreck will likely be found when the joint mission between the Underwater Archaeology Department and the European Institute of Underwater Archaeology continues in 2018.

Archaeologists began searching Alexandria’s harbor for historical treasures in September of this year. They specifically dove to the sunken city of Heraklion, which is located below Abu Qir Bay.

Credit: Provided by IBT Media (UK)

The artifacts hold special significance, as Egypt has been in a state of political unrest since the Arab uprisings of 2011. Not only has the tourism industry suffered, looters have stolen and defiled a number of artifacts, including those housed in the Egyptian Museum near Tahrir Square. As a result, Egypt’s antiquity authorities are eager to share the new finds across global channels — including Facebook.

What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

Source: MSN