Divers stumbled upon hundreds of ancient artifacts off the coast of Alexandria (4 photos)
In Egypt, two divers made a curious discovery: they raised hundreds of valuable ancient artifacts from the seabed, dating back to the Greco-Roman period. However, instead of handing the artifacts over to the authorities, they decided to appropriate them for themselves. 
However, as The Jerusalem Post reports, the authors of the discovery were detained by the police, and the ancient artifacts were confiscated from them. The discovery was made off the coast of ancient Alexandria. Hundreds of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts were raised from the seabed in Abu Qir Bay.
A total of 448 items were seized from the divers, including 305 coins, 53 figurines, 41 axes, 20 different bronze items, 14 bronze bowls, 12 spears and three heads from different statues.
Photos of the seized valuables were published on social networks by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior. It also reported, citing experts, that the discovered items date back to the period from 500 BC to 400 AD. 
This was the time when the Ptolemaic dynasty ruled in Ancient Egypt, after which Egypt became a province of Ancient Rome. The artifacts were stained turquoise, but this patina is typical of bronze that has been in water for many years and has undergone oxidation.
Many of the coins found were decorated with images of animals. Among them were lions, elephants, turtles, dolphins, whales and scorpions. Two coins were decorated with images of Pegasus, the immortal winged horse from Greek mythology. 
It is also reported that an investigation has been initiated against the divers who made an important archaeological discovery, as they are suspected of stealing artifacts. It is possible that they hid some of the relics raised from the bottom from the police. At the same time, local authorities are making efforts to protect underwater archaeological monuments "to prevent similar incidents in the future." 
