A team of archaeologists from Egypt and France has discovered valuable artifacts related to four of the most famous pharaohs.
According to Heritage Daily, these “pharaoh treasures” were not found in the desert, but at the bottom of Lake Nasser, a reservoir created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s and 1970s.
The lake covers an area of 5,250 km2, and at the time of its formation, scientific agencies had to make significant efforts to relocate many important artifacts from threatened sites that were submerged.
However, it is clear that there are still items that remain undiscovered, having been submerged deep beneath the lake’s surface before modern exploration.
A diver approaching one of the reliefs depicting famous Egyptian pharaohs – (Photo: EGYPTIAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ANTIQUITIES).
In this recent study, archaeologists from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities collaborated with Paul Valéry University in Montpellier, France, discovering several paintings, carvings, and miniature models submerged underwater.
Dating back thousands of years and showcasing the advanced techniques of the Egyptians during the pharaonic period, these artifacts are invaluable treasures.
Notably, they depict famous pharaohs: Amenhotep III (reigned 1391-1353 BC), Thutmose IV (1401-1391 BC), Psamtik II (595-589 BC), and Apries (589-570 BC).
The most remarkable among them are the reliefs carved into submerged rock blocks around Philae Island and Knossos Island. These islands were also submerged when Lake Nasser was formed.
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the team utilized modern archaeological techniques to identify and document the carvings found in good condition.
Dr. Islam Saleem, a representative of the research team, stated that they are creating 3D models of the carvings in preparation for scientific publication, contributing to their protection and preservation.
It is still unclear to which structure the treasures at the bottom of the lake belong, whether they were commissioned by the respective pharaohs depicted, or if they were created by the rulers of subsequent dynasties to describe their predecessor pharaohs.
