Swallowed by the Sea: Ancient Egypt's Greatest Lost City
Documentary following a team of maritime archaeologists as they uncover the remarkable lost city of Heracleion, consumed by the sea and forgotten for over two thousand years.
Documentary following a team of maritime archaeologists as they uncover the remarkable city of Heracleion, lost to the sea and forgotten for over two thousand years.
In the fading days of the pharaohs, the city of Heracleion was the gateway to Egypt and a port beyond compare. In the 4th century BC, this was an opulent and prosperous place adorned with statues and sphinxes. It was a city of religious significance and home to the temple of Amun. In the 2nd century BC it was wiped off the face of the earth. In a mysterious subsidence, the coastline dropped by over 20ft and Heracleion was consumed by the sea. The lost city slept for centuries beneath the waters of the Mediterranean.
In 2000, archaeologists made an incredible find. Using ancient texts, they discovered the city's remains six kilometres off the Egyptian coast and only 10 metres underwater. Pristinely preserved, it is an archaeological jewel - an ancient Egyptian city frozen in time. The glorious temples, statues, houses and boats of the cities lie perfectly preserved by the sea, providing a snapshot of ancient Egyptian life. But many mysteries remain. What caused this sacred city to plunge into the sea? And why did its inhabitants deliberately sink over 65 ancient warships?
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Clips
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Lucy Blue |
Producer | Amy Maher |
Director | Luke Wiles |
Executive Producer | Anne Laking |
Broadcasts
- Wed 15 Oct 2014 21:00
- Thu 16 Oct 2014 23:2091热爆 Two except Northern Ireland & Scotland
- Thu 16 Oct 2014 23:3591热爆 Two Northern Ireland
- Thu 16 Oct 2014 23:5091热爆 Two Scotland
- Sat 25 Oct 2014 19:3091热爆 Two except Scotland
- Sun 10 Jun 2018 21:00
- Mon 11 Jun 2018 02:30
- Mon 6 May 2019 22:30
- Sun 18 Aug 2019 21:00
- Mon 19 Aug 2019 02:45