Archaeologists pulled a section of an ancient Egyptian pylon out of the Mediterranean seabed on Thursday in Alexandria.

The ruin was discovered 11 years ago by a Greek archaeological team, and dates back to around 30 B.C.. It is part of a late Ptolemaic-era temple near the tomb of Cleopatra.

Another important artifact will be brought to the surface in May.

[Dr. Zahi Hawass, Head of Supreme Council of Antiquities, Egypt]:
"A Greek expedition found over 400 pieces, the most important being that tower of a pylon, that was part of the temple of Isis that was connected next door to the palace of Cleopatra and the tomb of Cleopatra. Because there is a piece of a door, a threshold, it could be a door of the palace. It's made of granite, weighing thirteen tons and part of a seven-meter door, of the tomb of Cleopatra, and we are going to take this piece out of the water this coming May."
Dr. Hawass says the pylon section would form an important part of the Maritime Museum in Alexandria. The museum is currently being renovated in order to house artifacts discovered near the sea floor.

[Dr. Zahi Hawass, Head of Supreme Council of Antiquities, Egypt]:
" This piece that we are taking out is a very important piece of the history of Alexandria. We can know a lot about this temple of Isis and Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, because we are building right now a museum above the water and that museum will contain all of the artifacts that are taken out of the water and this will be very important."
Dozens of journalists, Egypt's culture minister, and other dignitaries gathered for the unveiling of the section of the pylon.

Dr. Harry Talza who heads the Greek team says the discovery is significant because it was built at a crucial historical junction when Greek supremacy gave way to Roman supremacy.

Among the other treasures discovered during the last 15 years in Alexandria are the ruins of the ancient city of Heraklion, statues, temples, an ancient court and the palace of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony's home.