Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
A tunnel recently discovered in Egypt by a team of Dominican and Egyptian archaeologists under a temple could lead to Cleopatra's tomb, Ancient Origins reported on Saturday, citing the country's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The 1,300-meter-long conduit is estimated to have been carved into the rock 13 meters deep in the ancient Taposiris Magna temple west of Alexandria, the most likely resting place of the last Ptolemaic queen who ruled from the year 51 to 30 a. c.
The structure was discovered by archaeologist Kathleen Martínez, from the University of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), who has led the research mission between specialists from both countries for 14 years.
The architectural design of the passageway resembles the Eupalino tunnel on the Greek island of Samos, considered one of the greatest engineering achievements of the classical world.
Among other items found at the site are ceramic vessels, as well as two alabaster heads, one of which dates to the Ptolemaic period, the dynasty that ruled Egypt after the death of Alexander the Great.
Discoveries made during 14 years of excavations have made Martinez's team increasingly certain that they are close to the lost tomb of Cleopatra VII and her lover Mark Antony.
The interest in Cleopatra, a woman involved in several legends for many centuries, is so strong that the archaeologist assures that she will never abandon her search. "If there is a 1% chance that the last queen of Egypt could be buried there, it is my duty to look for her," the researcher told Heritage Key.
On the other hand, Cleopatra was considered the human incarnation of Isis, and the Taposiris Magna temple would have been associated with that goddess. (Text and photos: RT in Spanish)
