The Mediterranean’s hidden treasures often allure explorers and archaeologists alike.
But when the desire for discovery turns into greed, it often ends in arrests.
In Egypt, two men were apprehended for looting hundreds of ancient artifacts from the seabed near Alexandria, according to Bild.
Egyptian authorities announced the seizure of 448 ancient bronze artifacts from the suspects, who allegedly dived illegally in the Abukir Bay northwest of Alexandria.
Among the confiscated items were statues, coins, and weapons bearing inscriptions, believed to date back to the Greek and Roman eras.
A History Submerged
Abukir Bay is a well-known archaeological hotspot, home to submerged ruins and shipwrecks from ancient times.
These underwater relics trace the region’s storied past, beginning with the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE.
This marked the establishment of Alexandria as a thriving cultural and political hub during the Ptolemaic dynasty.
Later, in 30 BCE, the Roman Empire annexed Egypt after Emperor Augustus defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
The region flourished under Roman rule, becoming a significant trade and transportation center.
However, over centuries, cities and ships sank into the marshy waters of Abukir Bay, leaving a treasure trove of artifacts buried beneath the waves.
The two arrested men targeted these underwater ruins and shipwrecks, plundering what authorities described as a museum-worthy collection.
Items seized include 53 statues, 305 inscribed coins, 12 spears with sculpted human heads, 14 bronze cups, and 41 inscribed axes.
Despite the impressive haul, some experts speculate that the items might not be authentic, possibly modern replicas designed to mimic ancient artifacts.
For years, archaeologists have been uncovering incredible finds in the Abukir Bay region, shedding light on the area’s rich history.
However, illicit activities threaten this heritage, prompting the Egyptian government to crack down on illegal diving and looting.
