A bust of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra (left) and the Taposiris Magna Temple in the northern Egyptian city of Alexandria (right). © De Agostini via Getty Images/PE


In Egypt, archaeologists have discovered a mysterious tunnel under the ancient Taposiris Magna Temple, Egypt's Ministry of Tourism has reported. According to the archaeologists, the tunnel may lead to the tomb of Cleopatra, who was queen of the Egyptian Empire from 51 to 30 BC. With a length of no less than 1,300 meters, the tunnel, which is located about 13 meters under the ground, is "a geometric marvel", it sounds.


The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the remarkable find last week. The archaeological project is led by Kathleen Martinez of the University of Santo Domingo. About 20 years ago she came to Egypt to locate the tomb of the legendary Queen Cleopatra. 

After more than a decade of research, Dominican Martinez became convinced that the tomb could be located near the Taposiris Magna Temple, in the northern Egyptian city of Alexandria.




“Most important discovery of the 21st century” In 2004, Martinez was able to arrange a meeting with archaeologist Zahi Hawass, who was also the Minister of Antiquities at the time. The same year she was granted permission to dig around the temple, which has been going on for 18 years now. The latest discovery now seems to indicate that Martinez's conjecture may be correct. 

"This is the perfect place for Cleopatra's tomb," said the archaeologist. “Even if there is only a one percent chance that the Egyptian queen is buried there, it is my duty to find her. If we discover the tomb, it will be the most important discovery of the 21st century. If not, we've made some interesting finds inside and outside the temple,” she says firmly. 

In addition to the tunnel, the archaeologists also discovered a cemetery with several mummies and a bust of a woman that is supposed to represent Cleopatra. In addition, two more alabaster statues, one of which appears to be a sphinx, and numerous ceramic pots were found. Part of the tunnel is under water, presumably as a result of the earthquakes that struck the region between 320 and 1,303 BC.