Cleopatra's Last Temple

Cleopatra VII, Egypt’s iconic queen, left behind few traces of her reign. Beneath the harbor of modern-day Alexandria, archaeologists have uncovered ancient coins bearing her image amid the ruins of a temple where she may have once worshipped. Historians believe this temple stood on the island of Antirhodos, which ultimately sank into the Mediterranean Sea following a series of earthquakes.

Archaeologists uncovered a mysterious crystal artifact buried in the underwater ruins of Cleopatra’s temple. It bears an uncanny resemblance to a man history knows well: Marc Antony, Cleopatra’s powerful ally and lover. This unique sculpture is rarely seen by the public, until now.

After 30 years excavating Alexandria’s harbor, Franck Goddio’s team uncovered a rare temple linked to Cleopatra. But its appearance remained a mystery. Then they found tiny lead tokens, which offered clues to the temple’s façade.

Just below the Mediterranean’s surface, in Alexandria’s harbor, lie the ruins of a mysterious ancient monument. For more than 20 years, French explorer Franck Goddio has been hoping to confirm these remains are a temple belonging to Cleopatra. If true, this discovery could reveal vital new information about Cleopatra’s reign and her connection with the goddess Isis.