[Centre for Egyptological Studies of the RAS]

Archaeology

Alexandria

Report on the Fisrt Season
of the Russian Underwater Archaeological Mission to Alexandria

On April, 8–17, 2003 The Russian Institute for Egyptology in Cairo (RIEC) carried out the first season of The Russian Underwater Archaeological Mission to Alexandria. The surveyed territory was the water area beginning from the Anfushy Bay till the region of El Agamy. The works were conducted by the RIEC jointly with The Ministry of Culture of The Russian Federation and The Russian Underwater Activities Confederation .

Members of the Mission:

Dr. Galina A. Belova — Director;

Mr. Andrey A. Belinsky — Co-Director;

Mr. Ahmed Hosny El Ayouty — Officer of the Main Salvage Unit;

Dr. Sergey M. Fazlullin — Chief of diving works;

Mr. Sergey V. Ivanov — Egyptologist, photographer;

Dr. Alexey Krol — Archaeologist;

Mr. Abd El Hamid Abd El Meguid — Inspector of The SCA;

Mrs. Inga M. Ponomarenko — Scientific diver;

Dr. Alexander V. Vardaniats — Scientific diver.

Members of the Mission

The aim of the season was conducting an underwater survey: examination of geomorphology and relief of the seabed, detecting and documenting archaeological monuments, selection of the most important sites for further study and definition of the methods that will be used during the forthcoming excavations.

Due to the necessity of covering the large area, several techniques of surveying were combined. One of them was using an underwater trapeze, attached to a small motorboat. This technique allowed to perform visual examination of extensive territory. The similar effect had the use of underwater scooter Dicor Sea Stream SV900. Once an archaeological object is found, its direct examination was applied.

For documentation there were used two underwater photo-cameras, one boxed video-camera and a video-complex System ColorWatch 3. The areas of dives and especially the ones of archaeological objects were fixed in the Global Positioning System (WGS 84 Positions).

The geomorphology and the relief of the coastal area is marked with numerous geological breaks and sand-banks. These may be the results of geological processes, such as earthquakes that used to cause destruction of the whole city. At the moment it is possible to trace only one region, which contains the remains of Ancient or Medieval Alexandria's quarters, submerged after the disasters.

This may be proved by an accumulation of artifacts, including building blocks made of grey granite (20,5 x 12 x 12 cm) and limestone (27 x 12 x 15 cm), one of the latter bore the remains of mortar. The area is also marked by a large accumulation of ceramics, represented by different kinds of storage and transportation ware. Most likely, these finds belong to an archaeological layer, which is to be investigated during the next season.

Another interesting accumulation of artifacts including a large deposit of amphorae. Two of which, lying on the surface are complete. It was decided to leave them in situ, as they are heavily cemented by concretions. As long as this area is inaccessible for fortuitous divers, it is better to raise the vessels during the forthcoming regular excavation works.

Along with amphorae, this accumulation contains piles of roof-tiles made of pottery. Two of the tiles were lifted for detailed examination. They represent a rectangular flat plate (2 cm thick) with one border curved at right angle (6 cm high). The fact that the tiles were accurately laid in piles suggests that we deal with a certain storage.

This area could house a pottery workshop, where the vessels as well as the tiles were produced and stored. On the other hand, it can be the place of wreck of a ship that was transporting these items. Except this site, three other possible shipwrecks were detected.

In addition to the outside coastal area, according to the permission of the Marine, we made a try to investigate the territory of the Western Harbor. However due to the thick layer of black oil, covering the seabed, it seems to be impossible to continue works there.

During the survey, some of the informative objects were lifted to the boat for detailed study. All of them were properly measured and documented. At the end of the campaign the artifacts were returned to the seabed.

We would like to thank Dr. Zahi Hawass, The Director General of The SCA, The General of The Marine Rauf Basyuny, The Consulate General of The Russian Federation in Alexandria; Dr. Mohammed Abd El Maksoud, Dr. Magdi El Gandour, Dr. Ahmed Abd El Fattah, Mr. Alla Eldin Mahrous; Mr. Ibragim Darvish, Mr. Abd El Hamid Abd El Meguid and Mr. Ahmed Hosny El Ayouty, whose help was vital for organizing and conducting proper work of the expedition.

G. Belova, S. Ivanov