Archaeologists call subterranean pathway a 'geometric miracle'
A combination of two pictures shows the tunnel discovered underneath Egypt's ancient Taposiris Magna Temple near Alexandria, November 2022 (Egypt's Tourism and Antiquities Ministry)
(TIMES OF ISRAEL) — Archeologists in Egypt have uncovered a vast underground tunnel near the city of Alexandria, and hope it may lead them to the long-lost tomb of Egypt’s last pharaoh and possibly its most famous ruler, Queen Cleopatra VII.
Egypt’s Tourism and Antiquities Ministry said the 1.3 kilometer-long (0.8 miles) tunnel was cut into the rock beneath Egypt’s ancient Taposiris Magna Temple.
The tunnel, located more than 13 meters (43 feet) underground, was described by the ministry as a “geometric miracle” that may lead to Cleopatra’s final resting place.
The excavation was conducted by a Dominican-Egyptian archaeological mission from the University of San Domingo.
“This is the perfect place for the tomb of Cleopatra,” Dr. Kathleen Martinez, who headed the joint mission, told Heritage Key.
“If there’s a one percent chance that the last queen of Egypt could be buried there, it is my duty to search for her,” Martinez said.