Out of place: Archaeologists have discovered a mysterious statue head in Taposiris Magna.

French archaeologists have uncovered a marble head of a statue at Taposiris Magna, a historic site in modern-day Alexandria, Egypt. This location, established between 280 and 270 BC, holds immense historical significance as it was founded by Ptolemy II Philadelphus and dedicated to the god Osiris, writes Heritage Daily.

The city of Taposiris Magna, whose name derives from the ancient Egyptian term "Pr-Wsir" (House of Osiris), was designed around a grand temple dedicated to Osiris. The recently unearthed marble head, approximately 38 cm tall, showcases the intricate craftsmanship characteristic of the late Hellenistic period.

The statue depicts an elderly man and likely once adorned a public building. Interestingly, the artifact was found among the remnants of a 7th-century dwelling, presenting an intriguing historical anomaly that has captivated experts.

This adds another layer of mystery to the rich history of this site. Further investigations aim to uncover the identity of the individual represented by the statue's head and shed light on its historical context.

This discovery builds on previous finds at Taposiris Magna, particularly another marble statue head believed to depict Cleopatra VII, which was uncovered in late 2024. Additional discoveries include a necropolis with 20 catacombs and the remains of a 4th-century BC Greek temple.

These excavations highlight the importance of preserving and studying this site, which offers invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian and Hellenistic civilizations.

We also reported on how the archaeologists' discovery has rewritten the history of the city of Adrianople.