Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
About
Canopus was an ancient Egyptian coastal town located in the Nile Delta, near present-day Alexandria. It served as a significant port for Greek trade before Alexandria's establishment. The town is known for its religious structures, including a temple dedicated to the god Serapis and another to Osiris, built during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes. Canopus gained fame for an honorific decree passed by a priestly assembly in 239 BCE, known as the Decree of Canopus, which helped in understanding ancient Egyptian language. Over time, natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, along with rising sea levels, led to the collapse of the eastern suburbs, submerging them underwater. The site, now partially beneath Abu Qir Bay, remains a key focus for underwater archaeological studies.
Gallery
Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Canopus, Egypt
Archaeological Features
Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Public and Civic Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Transportation and Communication Structures
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history
Plan Your Visit
Details
- Country
- Egypt
- Source
- Wikipedia
More Sites in Egypt
Hermopolis
Ancient city with temples and basilica.
Saint Catherine, Egypt
Monastery town with ancient archaeological ruins
Akoris, Egypt
Ancient Egyptian site with rock-cut tombs.
Elkab
Ancient Egyptian city with temples and tombs.
Wadi el-Hudi
Ancient Egyptian amethyst mining site.
New Amada
Prominent site housing relocated Nubian temples.