Alexandria: Egyptian archaeologists have lifted out of the Mediterranean Sea an ancient granite temple pylon from the palace complex of Cleopatra, submerged in the waters of Alexandria's harbor.
Divers and underwater archaeologists used a giant crane and ropes to lift the 9-ton, 7.4-foot-tall pylon from the murky waters Thursday.
The tower was originally part of the entrance to a temple of Isis, a pharaonic goddess of fertility and magic. The temple is believed to have been near the palace that belonged to the 1st century BC. Queen Cleopatra in the ancient city of Alexandria, submerged in the sea centuries ago.
The pylon is to be the centerpiece of a planned underwater museum featuring relics uncovered from the Mediterranean seabed.
Bureau Report
First Published: Friday, December 18, 2009, 09:04