Gold coins from the Islamic and Byzantine periods

Science & Technology, third prize stories

00-05-1999

Gold coins from the Islamic and Byzantine periods at the Canopus site. Over 2,000 years ago the port of Herakleion, at the mouth of the River Nile, was the maritime gateway to Egypt. Now the city lies beneath the waters of the Bay of Abukir of the Egyptian north coast. It is not yet known whether what caused Herakleion to sink was a cataclysmic or a gradual subsidence. The lost city was uncovered by Frank Goddio, founder of the European Institute of Underwater Archeology.

Commissioned by: Franck Goddio / Hilti Foundation / Discovery Channel

Photo Credit: Christoph Gerigk

CHRISTOPH GERIGK is an Underwater Photographer, born 1965 in Germany, but now lives in France. He has worked with Franck Goddio since 1998.

Christoph studied biology at University of Osnabrück and then photography at the University for Applied Sciences in Bielefeld.

Christoph’s photographic career has been marked by numerous photo production assignments from major magazines and international media. His first class underwater photography reflects his intimacy with the magic and mystery of the flora and fauna in the oceans.

In 1998 Christoph began documenting the projects of Franck Goddio. While they might show his artistic skill, his images are also required to document systematic excavation work and have to face vigorous scientific investigation. Thus Christoph has also become an expert in photographing the sunken history of the eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia. He has twice been awarded at World Press Photo, the most prestigious award in international photojournalism for his images of Egypt's sunken cities.