Scientists May Have Found Key Clue in Hunt for Cleopatra’s Long-Lost Tomb

Scientists may have just made a major discovery in their search for Cleopatra’s long-lost tomb.

Archaeologist Kathleen Martínez — along with the help of famed oceanographer Bob Ballard and a team of underwater researchers — discovered what may be “a sunken port in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea,” near the ruins of the Taposiris Magna temple in Egypt, per National Geographic. 

The now-submerged structure is in close proximity to a 4,265-foot underground tunnel that connected the temple to the sea.

A series of large buildings, “arranged in rows and over 20-feet high,” was also found. The underwater structures included “polished floors, cemented blocks, columns, smooth stone” and “multiple anchors” and storage jars that were “dated to the time of Cleopatra.” 

This suggests that the submerged site could have been a port once used by the famous Egyptian queen, per National Geographic.

The discovery supports Martínez’s theory that Cleopatra’s body was brought to Taposiris Magna before being laid to rest there, “hidden and out of reach of the Romans.” In this scenario, her remains would have been transported to the area via the port and then carried to their final resting place in the temple through the tunnel.

Many historians believe that Cleopatra was buried with her love, Mark Antony, in Alexandria — though her tomb has never been found there. Martínez, however, theorizes that Cleopatra may have devised a secret alternative plan for her burial with Antony so that the Romans would not find their bodies. 

“She had to choose a location where she could feel safe for her afterlife with Mark Antony,” Martínez explained to the outlet.

Martínez said she considered all the possible temples Cleopatra could have reached from Alexandria within a day, and she ultimately landed on Taposiris Magna. Her team began their search there in October 2005.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Martínez told the outlet that the recent findings only make her more dedicated to finding the tomb. 

“I’m not going to stop,” she said of the search. “For me, it’s a matter of time.”

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of the submerged port in a statement shared on Facebook on Thursday, Sept. 18.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

The ministry said the discovery “reflects the historical and maritime depth of ancient Egypt,” and emphasizes “that its coasts were not just urban centers, but strategic hubs for trade and cultural communication with the ancient world.”

The discovery is documented in the upcoming National Geographic special, Cleopatra’s Final Secret, which airs Thursday, Sept. 25, on Nat Geo and streams the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.