Breaking News: Discovery of Egypt’s “Atlantis”: Temple ruins and a ship full of treasures unearthed after 2,200 years.

October 16, 2024

A MYSTERIOUS temple has been discovered among the ruins of an ancient sunken city described as the “Egyptian Atlantis”.

Heracleion, off the northern coast of Egypt, sank into the sea about 1,200 years ago and was lost for centuries until divers stumbled upon what remained of it in 2000.

Breaking News: Discovery of Egypt’s “Atlantis”: Temple ruins and a ship full of treasures unearthed after 2,200 years.

Since then, studies have been made of its extensive ruins, although we still do not know much about the once great port city.

Now archaeologists have announced a series of surprising new finds at the underwater site.

They have discovered the remains of a Greek temple, as well as several ships full of treasures such as coins and jewels.

Ancient columns, 2,000-year-old pottery and bronze coins from the reign of King Ptolemy II (283 to 246 BC) were also found.

Breaking News: Discovery of Egypt’s “Atlantis”: Temple ruins and a ship full of treasures unearthed after 2,200 years.

11The lost city of Heracleion in Egypt was abandoned about 1,200 years ago

Breaking News: Discovery of Egypt’s “Atlantis”: Temple ruins and a ship full of treasures unearthed after 2,200 years.

A hoard of bronze coins was also found at the site. Credit: Christoph Gerigk/FrankGoddio/Hilti Foundation

Heracleion is mentioned in some ancient texts, but was thought to be the stuff of legend for over a millennium.

Situated at the entrance to the Nile River, the city was said to be Egypt’s main international trading port, with imposing statues, huge temples and a maze of bustling canals.

In one of the largest archaeological finds in history, a French scientist rediscovered the sunken city in the 1990s.

Buried beneath centuries of Nile silt, many of the ruins and artifacts pulled from its murky depths remain perfectly preserved thousands of years later.

Underwater archaeologists have used a high-tech scanning device to uncover new parts of the ancient settlements, Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities reported this week.

Sections of the city’s main temple were revealed, as well as a handful of new ports, helping the team expand their ever-growing map of the ancient city.

Artist’s impression of Heracleion. The city was crisscrossed by canals that allowed ships to pick up goods on their way to and from the Nile. Credit: Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation, Graphic: Yann Bernard

Breaking News: Discovery of Egypt’s “Atlantis”: Temple ruins and a ship full of treasures unearthed after 2,200 years.

A bronze coin found at Heracleion. Credit: Christoph Gerigk/FrankGoddio/Hilti Foundation

Breaking News: Discovery of Egypt’s “Atlantis”: Temple ruins and a ship full of treasures unearthed after 2,200 years.

11Scientists examining a sunken building in Heracleion. Credit: Christoph Gerigk/FrankGoddio/Hilti Foundation

Jewels, coins and tableware were found in shipwrecks dating back to the 4th century BC.

Heracleion is believed to have been lost in the ocean for several centuries.

Earthquakes and tsunamis hit the ancient port, saturating the sediment beneath its foundations and causing buildings to collapse.

Rising sea levels then gradually swallowed the city until it was abandoned in the 8th century AD, approximately 1,000 years after its construction.

Breaking News: Discovery of Egypt’s “Atlantis”: Temple ruins and a ship full of treasures unearthed after 2,200 years.

An ancient statue removed from Heracleion as part of the research. Credit: Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation

Breaking News: Discovery of Egypt’s “Atlantis”: Temple ruins and a ship full of treasures unearthed after 2,200 years.

The team has been exploring the site for 15 years. Credit: Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation

Several other settlements in the region suffered a similar fate, including the nearby sunken city of Canopus.

As part of their work, archaeologists found the remains of several buildings at Canopus, expanding their map of the settlement.

The team plans to publish their findings in an academic journal.

Over the past 15 years, they have found 64 ships, 700 anchors, a hoard of gold coins, 16-foot-high statues and the remains of a massive temple to the god Amun-Gereb at Heracleion.

Breaking News: Discovery of Egypt’s “Atlantis”: Temple ruins and a ship full of treasures unearthed after 2,200 years.

There are hundreds of artifacts still buried at Heracleion. Credit: AP: Associated Press

Breaking News: Discovery of Egypt’s “Atlantis”: Temple ruins and a ship full of treasures unearthed after 2,200 years.

The artifacts found at the site have been preserved by centuries of Nile silt. Credit: Hilti Foundation

The mysterious skeleton of a teenage girl was found “squatting” next to bull skulls at an ancient Egyptian pyramid in February.

Last November, an ancient Egyptian coffin was opened for the first time in 3,000 years to reveal the mummy of a priest.

The ancient Egyptians believed that the sacred droppings of dung beetles held the secret to immortality.

What else do you think archaeologists will find at Heracleion? Let us know in the comments!

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.