Egypt: Archaeologist finds tunnel during excavation - and believes it could lead to Cleopatra's lost tomb

Archaeologist Kathleen Martinez says of Cleopatra: "My persistence is not to be confused with obsession.

Egypt: Archaeologist finds tunnel during excavation - and believes it could lead to Cleopatra's lost tomb

Archaeologist Kathleen Martinez says of Cleopatra: "My persistence is not to be confused with obsession. I admire Cleopatra as a historical figure. She was a victim of Roman propaganda aimed at distorting her image."

Nevertheless, she has been following in the footsteps of the ancient ruler for almost 20 years - and now believes that she has come much closer to the tomb of the famous pharaoh. During excavations in Egypt, she found a tunnel system and a large religious site with several sanctuaries.

Sticking point: In the subterranean vaults, Martinez also found coins embossed by Alexander the Great – and by Cleopatra himself. For Martinez, this is an indication that the tunnels lead to Cleopatra's tomb.

Another indication that she is very close to Cleopatra: The temple near which she found the tunnel system is named after the ancient god Osiris. According to Martinez, excavations to date have also revealed that "the temple was dedicated to Isis." In Egyptian mythology, Osiris was also the husband of Isis. Cleopatra and her husband Mark Antony were considered earthly rebirths of the Egyptian gods.

For Martinez, these traces are a clear sign: Of the approximately 20 temples in the vicinity of Alexandria, Cleopatra's tomb can only be near the "Taposiris Magna" with its newly discovered tunnels. If she is actually right and further research near the "Taposiris Magna" leads to Cleopatra's tomb, that would be one of the biggest sensations of the last decades. Until then, the coins and ancient objects that have just been discovered are a reason for joy for the archaeologist team.

Those: CNN

NEXT NEWS