Taposiris Magna (present-day Abu Sir), 45 km west of Alexandria, is an ancient city that was called Per Usiri by Egyptians, meaning “Dwelling of Osiris.”
Archaeologists began to seriously excavate at Taposiris Magna in 1998. For the next few years, many expeditions rediscovered important parts of the city and its unbelievable artifact.
Dr. Hawass also led an expedition which discovered 27 tombs. Behind the temple, a huge Greco-Roman necropolis was discovered. The mummies of people who were buried there had their faces turned towards the temple. This was a hint to the archaeologists that this place may contain a much more important tomb. With time, rumors began to arise that there is a significant royal person hidden there.
In the heart of the city there is a great temple of the same name (built during the reign of Ptolemy II, around 278 BC). The temple was a popular place during the reign of the Ptolemaic Dynasty.
Dr. Kathleen Martinez studied ancient Roman texts and investigated 21 sites where Cleopatra could be buried, but only one matched her theory. “She was a goddess,” says Martinez. “I looked around where all the archaeologists have excavated, and I immediately knew they were searching in wrong places.” Instead, Martinez went searching at a temple complex dating from the time of Cleopatra and dedicated to the ancient Egyptian god Osiris and his wife the goddess Isis. There is also some evidence which supports the idea that the final resting place of Cleopatra is located in Taposiris Magna.
Archaeologists have discovered a beautiful bust, and 400 pieces of coins bearing a woman’s image dating Cleopatra’s reign. The image is believed to be Cleopatra herself. She also discovered a 34 meter deep shaft, which doesn’t end with a chamber – suggesting the existence of another shaft which perhaps hides a tomb of a very important person.
(Floro Mercene)