The artifacts were recovered from the Mediterranean Sea

Aug 3, 2015 07:47 GMT  ·  By

Quite a while back, in 2000, the remains of the ancient cities of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus were discovered on the floor of the Mediterranean Sea not far from Alexandria. 

The cities, lost to history sometime in the 2nd or the 3rd century CE, sunk in the aftermath of a series of natural disasters, a powerful earthquake and mammoth tidal waves included.

Excavated by European Institute for Underwater Archeology researchers, the site of these two ancient Egyptian cities at the bottom of the Mediterranean has produced tens of artifacts, among them statues of long-lost deities, coins and jewelry.

In just a few weeks, the treasures are set to go on display in Paris, France. The exhibition, dubbed “Osiris, Sunken Mysteries of Egypt,” will open on September 8 at the Arab World Institute.

“It reveals the incredible remains of the temples of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus in which the most secret religious rites and processions took place,” organizers say.

The artifacts are unlike any others

Nearly 300 ancient Egyptian treasures will be included in this exhibition at the Arab World Institute in Paris. Seeing how they've only just been recovered from the floor of the Mediterranean Sea, this will be the first time the artifacts will be seen since they sunk centuries ago.

Among the treasures are a statue of a pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, a depiction of the god Osiris, an oil lamp used in ceremonial processions, and other cult objects.

Apart from the artifacts recovered by underwater archaeologists from the site of the cities of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus, the exhibition will include rare historic objects on loan from museums in Cairo and Alexandria.  

“Over 290 artefacts are presented. Most were discovered in the recent underwater excavations carried out by the IEASM, but they are augmented by some 40 splendid exhibits on loan from the museums of Cairo and Alexandria,” coordinators detail.

The exhibition, expected to remain open until January 31 next year, will also include underwater videos and photos revealing the underwater archaeological site that produced the artifacts on display.

Ancient Egyptian artifacts set to go on display in Paris (10 Images)

The head of a priest
The ruins of antique CanopusNaos from the temple of Amon Gereb
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