Ancient Greek Prosthetic Toe
950–710 BCE
A wooden and leather prosthetic toe discovered in a tomb near Thebes, Egypt, dating to 950–710 BCE, is the oldest known functional prosthetic device. Unlike decorative prosthetics, this toe shows wear patterns consistent with actual use during walking — meaning an ancient Egyptian amputee wore it in daily life over 3,000 years ago.
The Lost City of Heracleion
800 BCE – 700 CE
The ancient Egyptian city of Heracleion — known to the Greeks as Thonis — was the main port of entry into Egypt for over 1,000 years. It simply vanished beneath the Mediterranean around 700 CE, taking with it colossal statues, golden treasures, and hundreds of ships. Rediscovered in 2000 by underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio, it has yielded some of the most spectacular underwater finds in history.