Is Part of Ancient Alexandria Underwater?

Reconstruction map by Ancient History Magazine (ancienthistorymag.com)

Short Answer: Yes. Parts of ancient Alexandria are underwater today, especially areas around the ancient harbor and the former royal quarter. Archaeologists have found submerged buildings, columns, statues, blocks of stone, and parts of ancient harbor structures beneath the Mediterranean Sea.

What Parts of Alexandria Are Underwater?

Ancient Alexandria was built along the Mediterranean coast, and some of its coastal areas gradually sank beneath the sea. Underwater archaeologists have discovered remains of the ancient eastern harbor, including parts of port buildings, monumental structures, statues, columns, and other archaeological remains.

The area near the ancient island of Pharos, where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood, is especially important. Large stone blocks and other remains have been found underwater, and some may have belonged to the lighthouse or its surrounding structures.

But Why Did Ancient Alexandria Sink?

The sinking did not happen because of one single event. Scientists believe that earthquakes, changes in sea level, and the gradual sinking of the land all played a role.

Alexandria was located in an earthquake-prone region, and several major earthquakes affected the city over the centuries. The powerful earthquake and tsunami of AD 365 also caused major damage along the Mediterranean coast. Over time, these natural events, combined with changes in the coastline, caused parts of ancient Alexandria to disappear beneath the sea.

What Has Been Found Underwater?

Underwater excavations have revealed thousands of archaeological objects, including statues, sphinxes, columns, marble and granite blocks, pieces of buildings, and ancient shipwrecks. Some discoveries are connected to the Greek and Roman periods, while others are much older Egyptian objects that were later used in Alexandria.

So, while ancient Alexandria did not completely disappear underwater, a remarkable part of the ancient city is now beneath the Mediterranean, giving archaeologists a rare view of the city that once stood there.

References

• Franck Goddio & IEASM (Institute of Underwater Archaeology)

• UNESCO World Heritage Centre:The Sunken Royal Quarters of Alexandria

Project Kemet

by The Museum of Time

16 August 2026