Possible Bust of Cleopatra VII Discovered at Ancient Egyptian Temple

A significant archaeological discovery has been made at the ancient Egyptian site of Taposiris Magna, near Alexandria, where a small marble statue that may depict Cleopatra VII has been uncovered. The statue, which is small enough to fit in a person’s hand, shows a female figure wearing a royal crown. Kathleen Martinez, the archaeologist leading the Egyptian-Dominican team at the site, believes the statue could be a representation of Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty.

However, not all archaeologists agree with this identification. Zahi Hawass, a former Egyptian minister of antiquities, has expressed skepticism, suggesting that the bust dates to the Roman period, which began after Cleopatra’s death in 30 BC. Hawass noted that during the Ptolemaic dynasty, pharaohs were portrayed in Egyptian art styles, not Roman ones.

The discovery was made during excavations within the southern wall enclosure of the Temple of Osiris at Taposiris Magna. Other artifacts found at the site include a limestone bust of a king wearing a nemes headdress, coins depicting Cleopatra VII, ceramic amphorae, oil lamps, and various other items such as a bronze ring dedicated to Hathor and an amulet inscribed with the phrase “The justice of Ra has arisen”.

Taposiris Magna, meaning “great tomb of Osiris,” was founded by Ptolemy II Philadelphus between 280 and 270 BC. The site has been the focus of extensive excavations, including underwater explorations that have revealed human remains, pottery, and man-made structures. Martinez and her team have been working at the site for over a decade and have previously suggested that Taposiris Magna might contain the tomb of Cleopatra VII, although this theory has not gained widespread support among other archaeologists.

The recent findings also include a large necropolis with 20 catacombs and an underground tomb beneath the ancient lighthouse of Taposiris Magna. The tomb consists of three chambers, one of which contained nine white marble busts and other artifacts. The mission plans to continue its work to uncover more secrets of the ancient temple and its connection to the reign of Queen Cleopatra VII.