Vanished beneath the waters of the Mediterranean, the lost cities of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus lay at the mouth of the Nile. Named after the Greek hero Heracles, Thonis-Heracleion was one of Egypt’s most important commercial centres for trade with the Mediterranean world and, with Canopus, was a major centre for the worship of the Egyptian gods. Their amazing discovery is transforming our understanding of the deep connections between the great ancient civilisations of Egypt and Greece.

curators: Aurelia Masson-Berghoff and Franck Goddio, scenography: Atelier Sylvain Roca & Nicolas Groult, graphism: JADE design, lighting: studio ZNA, digital medias: Newangle

photos: Trustees of the British Museum, Sylvain Roca