The Eastern Harbour of Alexandria is the ancient royal port of the legendary city founded by Alexander the Great. Bearing his name, Alexandria rose to become one of the greatest metropolises of the ancient world—a global hub of politics, culture, and learning. It served as the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt and remained a preeminent city throughout the Roman and Byzantine eras. Today, this harbour, once the vibrant heart of royal and maritime life, lies submerged beneath the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
The harbour stretches from Ras el-silsila(Head of the chain) in the east to the iconic Qaitbay Citadel in the west, covering an extensive area of approximately 600 hectares. Lying at depths of 2 to 8 meters, its remains trace the ancient coastline of the city. Historical sources confirm this area was the prestigious Royal Quarter during the Ptolemaic dynasty, a status it maintained as the district of palaces and administration for Roman and Byzantine governors.
it has been the focus of significant underwater archaeological discoveries since the mid-20th century.The modern exploration began in 1961 with Kamel Abou El-Saadat, a pioneering amateur diver and researcher of submerged antiquities. He discovered a colossal statue of the goddess Isis among other artifacts, identified the remains of ancient stone piers, and produced the first preliminary map of the sunken site.
This sunken royal quarter stands as one of the world's most fascinating underwater archaeological sites, providing invaluable insights for academics and a breathtaking glimpse into the past for visitors and tourists from around the globe.
