Western Mareotis lake(s) during the Late Holocene (4th century BCE–8th century CE): diachronic evolution in the western margin of the Nile Delta and evidence for the digging of a canal complex during the early Roman period

Abstract. Lake Mareotis (modern Mariut), located near the Mediterranean coast of Egypt west Nile Delta, is bordered by ancient sites dating from New Kingdom (end 2nd millennium BCE) to Medieval period (8th century CE), most famous one being Alexandria. In its western part (wadi several are equipped with harbour structures, but they also have structures contemporaneous them that not compatible lake level required for operation harbour. Between 1990s and 2010, sedimentological studies tried solve this paradox without completely succeeding. To go further, study based on reassessment geoarchaeological data analysis early scholars' accounts (1800–1945), maps (1807–1958) satellite photographs (Corona). It allows us reconstruct extension lake(s) at different periods in wadi Mariut. During 1st BCE, Mariut lagoon experienced a drawdown part, distinct lakes formed, followed building operations some emerged areas during Hellenistic (332–30 BCE). Roman (30 BCE–284 digging canals CE connect eastern basin reconfigured lake(s).