Alexandria, Egypt stands as one of history's greatest archaeological mysteries, where the legendary tomb of Alexander the Great remains hidden beneath centuries of civilization. This ancient city, founded by the conqueror himself in 331 BCE, once served as the glittering capital of Ptolemaic Egypt and continues to reveal its secrets through underwater excavations and underground tunnels. Following Josh Gates' thrilling investigation, visitors can explore the same coastal waters and historic districts where cutting-edge archaeology meets ancient wonder.
Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city and principal Mediterranean seaport, extending approximately 40 km (25 mi) along the northern coast at the western edge of the Nile Delta. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, the city became the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt and one of antiquity's most important cultural and intellectual centers. Today, Alexandria is a modern metropolis with a population of approximately 6.1 million, where ancient ruins lie beneath busy streets and submerged offshore. Gates investigated the city searching for one of archaeology's greatest prizes: the lost tomb of Alexander the Great, diving coastal waters to explore sunken remains of the ancient Royal Quarter and tunneling beneath the modern city despite equipment challenges.
Alexander the Great founds Alexandria near the ancient Egyptian settlement of Rhacotis
Alexander dies in Babylon; his body is eventually brought to Alexandria for burial
Construction of the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Arab conquest of Alexandria; city ceases to be Egyptian capital
Gates investigates Alexander's lost tomb in Expedition Unknown Season 13
Alexandria served as the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt and remained one of the Mediterranean's leading cities for nearly a millennium, renowned for the Great Library and the Pharos lighthouse. Ancient sources confirm that Alexander's body was brought to the city after his death in Babylon in 323 BC and placed in a magnificent tomb, which became a pilgrimage site for Roman emperors and dignitaries. However, the tomb's location was lost sometime in late antiquity, and no modern excavation has definitively identified it, making this one of archaeology's most enduring mysteries.
Mainstream archaeologists have proposed numerous theories about the tomb's fate. Some experts believe it may have been destroyed during religious riots in late antiquity, while others suggest it could lie beneath the modern city, buried under centuries of urban development. The ancient Royal Quarter, where historical sources placed the tomb, is now partially submerged due to earthquakes and coastal subsidence. Underwater archaeologists have mapped extensive ruins offshore, and these submerged remains represent a significant area of investigation, though connecting specific structures to Alexander's tomb requires conclusive evidence that has proven elusive.
Gates' investigation in Alexandria explored both the submerged coastal ruins and underground spaces beneath the modern city, consulting with experts about the challenges of searching a continuously inhabited urban area. The episodes highlighted the legitimate archaeological debate about whether the tomb survived into the modern era or was lost centuries ago. Alexandria's transformation from ancient capital to modern metropolis, combined with natural disasters that reshaped the coastline, means that even if the tomb survived, locating it requires navigating both physical obstacles and thousands of years of urban layers.
The search for Alexander's tomb represents a case where historical sources confirm the tomb's existence and general location, but physical evidence remains frustratingly out of reach. Gates' investigation documented the real challenges archaeologists face: limited access in a densely populated modern city, submerged ruins requiring specialized diving, and the reality that some ancient mysteries may remain unsolved despite our best technologies and intentions.
Alexandria was best known in antiquity for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Great Library, the largest library in the ancient world.
The city extends about 40 km (25 mi) along Egypt's northern coast and covers approximately 1,661 square kilometers (641 square miles).
Alexandria was originally established near Rhacotis, an ancient Egyptian settlement that later became the city's Egyptian quarter.
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
Alexandria is readily accessible to visitors, with the modern city offering hotels, restaurants, and numerous ancient sites including the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The underwater Royal Quarter ruins are accessible only through authorized diving expeditions. Check with local authorities regarding current access to archaeological excavation sites within the city.
Alexandria is itself a major city; Cairo lies approximately 220 km (137 mi) to the southeast.
October through April offers the most comfortable weather, with mild temperatures and less humidity than the summer months. Summer (June-August) can be very hot, though the Mediterranean coastal location moderates temperatures compared to inland Egypt.
Egypt
Egypt served as the broader investigation area for Gates' explorations of ancient Egyptian archaeology and mysteries
Kingdom of Kush Pyramid Tombs
The Kingdom of Kush represents another ancient civilization closely connected to Egyptian history, with royal tombs posing similar archaeological challenges
Ancient Egyptian tomb (Moses investigation)
Gates investigated other ancient Egyptian tombs and biblical sites, exploring the intersection of archaeology and historical accounts
Istanbul
Istanbul, like Alexandria, was a major ancient city where Gates searched for lost historical treasures beneath a modern metropolis
Best time to visit: Visit Alexandria between October and April when temperatures are mild and diving conditions are optimal for exploring underwater archaeological sites.
Travel tip: Book guided archaeological tours in advance as access to active excavation sites may be restricted, and consider hiring local diving operators familiar with the Royal Quarter's submerged ruins.
Historical data sourced from Wikipedia