Archaeologists have made a major breakthrough after discovering a sunken port that could provide clues to the lost tombs of Cleopatra and Mark Antony.
The discovery was made beneath the Mediterranean Sea, close to an Egyptian temple, approximately 30 miles from Alexandria, by a research group headed by Kathleen Martinez.
Ms Martinez said: "This is one of those moments when you feel so alive. After 2,000 years, nobody has ever been there. We are the first ones."
The discovery suggests the ancient settlement possessed far greater significance than scholars had previously recognised.
Ms Martinez's prediction about the ancient side centred on historian Plutarch's account describing Cleopatra's construction of a burial site near an Isis temple.
The archaeologist examined various temples surrounding Alexandria before concluding that Taposiris Magna alone possessed the requisite scale and potential divine associations.
Initial excavations yielded little until foundation inscriptions confirmed the temple's dedication to Isis, validating her theory that Egypt's last pharaoh would have selected a location honouring the goddess with whom she identified.
The breakthrough emerged when researchers identified a water-filled passage extending 1,300 metres beneath the temple, reaching under contemporary infrastructure towards the ocean.
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The discovery showed artefacts of anchors, pottery vessels and polished flooring
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Ms Martinez enlisted renowned explorer Bob Ballard, who located the Titanic wreck, to conduct sonar surveys of the seafloor.
Initial scans revealed only geological features, but recalibration of the tunnel's trajectory revealed artificial formations.
Mr Ballard said: "We started seeing structures. We found it, and the tunnel pointed directly at it."
The underwater remains rise up to 20 feet and include maritime artefacts such as anchors, pottery vessels and polished flooring, indicating a thriving ancient harbour lost to seismic activity.
The archaeological team has unearthed numerous burial sites and thousands of historical objects throughout their excavations, with some graves oriented towards the temple - a potential indicator of royal interment.
Ms Martinez remains resolute about pursuing both terrestrial and marine investigations at the site.
She said: "We will continue searching on land and underwater. This is the beginning of this huge task."
The archaeologist dismissed any scepticism about her theory.
Ms Martinez remains resolute about pursuing her theories around Cleopatra
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She added: "Nobody can tell me that Cleopatra is not at Taposiris Magna.
"To say that you have to excavate the whole area and not find her.
"I'm not going to stop. For me, it's a matter of time."