International Art Treasures Web Magazine

June 2006  

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Egypt Sunken Treasures

Franck Goddio face to face with a black granite sphinx representing Ptolemaios XII, father of Cleopatra VII.
Title: Franck Goddio face to face with a black granite sphinx representing Ptolemaios XII, father of Cleopatra VII. The sphinx dates from the 1st century BC and was found in the ancient harbor of Alexandria.
Image Courtesy and ©: Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation

Martin-Gropius-Bau
Berlin, Germany
through September 4, 2006

The Queen of the Nile is back in the news with Egypt's Sunken Treasures. Among the highlights is a black granite sphinx representing Ptolemaios or Ptolemy XII, father of the most famous Egyptian Queen: Cleopatra. She was the last of the Ptolemy's pharaohs who began their Egyptian rule in 304 B.C.

his gold object (11 x 5 cm) was found during the preliminary exploration of the southern sector of Herakleion, during the 2003 campaign. It is engraved with a Greek text of five and a half lines. It is an example of a plaque that act as a signature for foundation deposits in the name of the king, Ptolemy III (246–222 BCE), responsible for building.
Title: This gold object (11 x 5 cm) was found during the preliminary exploration of the southern sector of Herakleion, during the 2003 campaign. It is engraved with a Greek text of five and a half lines. It is an example of a plaque that act as a signature for foundation deposits in the name of the king, Ptolemy III (246–222 BCE), responsible for building.
Medium: Gold
Dimensions: 11 x 5 cm
Photographer / Foto: Christoph Gerigk
Image Courtesy and ©: Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation

Franck Goddio, a French underwater archeologist, excavated along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. His findings are currently on display at the Martin-Gropius-Bau Museum in Berlin.

This monumental stele presents the biggest and heaviest piece of the exhibition. Over 6 metres high and with a weight of over 15 tons it once stood in the vicinity of the temple district of Herakleion. It is inscribed with hieroglyphic and Greek texts. The stele was erected under the reign of Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II
Title: This monumental stele presents the biggest and heaviest piece of the exhibition. Over 6 metres high and with a weight of over 15 tons it once stood in the vicinity of the temple district of Herakleion. It is inscribed with hieroglyphic and Greek texts. The stele was erected under the reign of Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II
Photographer / Foto: Christoph Gerigk
Image Courtesy and ©: Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation

It is comprised of nearly 500 antiquities most making their debut public viewing. An interesting aspect is the cultures that intermingled with the Egyptians. For example, visitors will have the opportunity to view a gold object that has a Greek inscription and a Byzantine gold ring.

The Byzantine gold ring is mounted with a tiny oil lamp, the band is decorated with an undulating garland. Nothing similar has ever been found on other Byzantine rings
Title: The Byzantine gold ring is mounted with a tiny oil lamp, the band is decorated with an undulating garland. Nothing similar has ever been found on other Byzantine rings
Photographer / Foto: Christoph Gerigk
Image Courtesy and ©: Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation

This discovery and excavation allows scholars to delve further into the fascinating history of Egypt.

This granite head (80cm) is attributed to Caesarion (Ptolemaios XV), son of Cleopatra VII and Julius Caesar. It is part of a statue of about 5 metres in height and dates from the 1st century BC. It was found in Alexandria’s ancient harbour opposite the island of Antirhodos.
Title: This granite head (80cm) is attributed to Caesarion (Ptolemaios XV), son of Cleopatra VII and Julius Caesar. It is part of a statue of about 5 metres in height and dates from the 1st century BC. It was found in Alexandria’s ancient harbour opposite the island of Antirhodos.
Photographer / Foto: Christoph Gerigk
Image Courtesy and ©: Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation

The cities were lost, presumably forever, after natural disasters sent them to the sea. Then came Goddio and his team. Besides the historic importance the exhibit explores underwater excavation and the successes of Goddio.


Egyptian Sunken Treasures:
Martin-Gropius-Bau:
May 13 - September 4, 2006
Grand Palais, Paris:
December 9, 2006 - March 16 2007
Kunst und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland - Bonn:
April 5, 2007 - January 27, 2008
Antiguo Matadero de Legazpi, Madrid:
April 16 - September 28, 2008

Egypt's
Sunken Treasures

www.aegyptens-versunkene-schaetze.org

Martin-Gropius-Bau

www.berlinerfestspiele.de

© 2006 International Art Treasures Web Magazine, All Rights Reserved.