Egypt's Sunken Treasures

Author: Christopher Gerisch

Length: 50'

In the spring of 2006, fantastic treasures from the realm of the Pharaohs are shown for the first time in Europe. Berlin hosts the exhibition "Egypt’s Sunken Treasures” with the priceless artefacts brought to the surface by the world-famous underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio during his expeditions off the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. Golden rings, impressive statues and mysterious cult objects – approx. 500 artefacts which document the rise and fall of the legendary and largely submerged cities of Alexandria, Herakleion and Canopus. In addition to statues and sphinxes a royal palace was also found that may have belonged to Cleopatra – and the Timoneum, the palace of her lover, Marc Anthony. Over a thousand years ago, calamity struck these former centres of science and religious high culture. Earthquakes and flood tides buried them under the seafloor. Yet they have remained important to this day. Franck Goddio’s unique finds make it possible to gain profound and sometimes quite unex-pected insights into Egyptian history. The documentary "Egypt’s Sunken Treasures” shows the fascinating work of the underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio off the coast of Egypt. As well as the various expeditions, the documentary features the breathtaking underwater footage of the discovery of the artefacts.

year of production: 2006