Carvings of Ancient Pharaohs Resurface Upon the Nile River's Depths

An underwater excavation by a joint Egyptian and French archaeology team has uncovered remarkable rock carvings, paintings, and miniature figures portraying ancient pharaohs, according to Live Science, The expedition occurred in Aswan, Egypt, an area submerged during the construction of the massive Aswan High Dam between 1960 and 1970. This high-profile dam was built to regulate the Nile's flow and prevent flooding.

Right before the dam's construction, UNESCO spearheaded an extensive salvage operation to rescue significant monuments and valuable artifacts. However, many important items could not be relocated in time and eventually became submerged in the Nile's waters. One such collection of lost treasures was the rock carvings recently unveiled, which depict renowned figures like Amenhotep III, Thutmose IV, Psamtik II, and Apries.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities officially announced this exciting underwater discovery through a statement posted on Facebook. For the first time, the team ventured underwater to meticulously evaluate the rock formations stretching between the Aswan Reservoir and the Aswan High Dam. Recognizing the site's excellent preservation, the team was able to thoroughly document the carvings.

The researchers effectively recorded their findings using a combination of filming, photography, and the use of photogrammetric techniques. This enabled them to create three-dimensional models from two-dimensional images, which they are still diligently working on and aiming to publish in the future.

The historic city of Aswan holds great significance in Egypt's cultural heritage. Originally a garrison town, it served as a crucial granite quarry location for numerous ancient monuments. Noteworthy landmarks include the Abu Simbel temple, known for its towering statues of Pharaoh Ramses II, and the Philae temple complex, recognized as the site of the last known Egyptian hieroglyphic inscription dating back to 394 CE.

William Carruthers, a historian from the University of Essex who was not involved in the project, believes that this discovery suggests the survival of more artifacts from the flooding than previously presumed. Jitse Dijkstra, a classicist at the University of Ottawa, adds that while the carved findings are intriguing, further research is necessary to fully understand their context and significance.

The rock carvings are not the only thrilling archaeological finds to emerge near Aswan. Just recently, the Ministry of Tourism revealed the existence of 33 tombs ingeniously constructed into a hillside. These tombs have brought forth valuable insights into ancient burial customs, prevalent diseases, and the social hierarchies of bygone civilizations. 

Earlier, SSP wrote about new findings that shed light on the earliest European hominids.