Thonis-Heracleion Submerged Stele of Nectanebo
Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–300 CE)·Bronze Age–Classical·🇪🇬 Alexandria, Heracleion, Egypt
About
About Thonis-Heracleion Submerged Stele of Nectanebo
Thonis-Heracleion Submerged Stele of Nectanebo in Alexandria, Heracleion, Egypt is a Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–300 CE) submerged city attributed to Bronze Age–Classical. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal submerged area 450 × 280 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 31.3080N 30.1740E controls access to Alexandria resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey submerged city for Alexandria, Heracleion, illustrating Bronze Age–Classical construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Harbour drowned by co-seismic subsidence vs eustatic rise
- 02Continuity of anchorage location
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1500 BCE–200 CE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–300 CE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age–Classical
- Purpose
- Coastal settlement and harbour now submerged by sea-level change/subsidence
- Rediscovered
- 1969 survey
- Excavation
- Submerged
c. 1500 BCE–200 CE
Initial construction of Thonis-Heracleion Submerged Stele of Nectanebo main structure
c. 1949
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1964–2009
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Thonis-Heracleion Submerged Stele of Nectanebo) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
31.3080° N · 30.1740° E · -11 m · 3 mapped features
Thonis-Heracleion Submerged Stele of Nectanebo — Main Structure
structurePrincipal submerged city — Submerged area 450 × 280 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
31.3088° N · 30.1749° EThonis-Heracleion Submerged Stele of Nectanebo — Ancillary Complex
harbourAncillary harbour mole and anchorage surrounding main feature
31.3070° N · 30.1733° EThonis-Heracleion Submerged Stele of Nectanebo — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
31.3095° N · 30.1752° E