One of the most interesting things to see in Marsa Alam is the location of the Cleopatra Mines. Also known as the ancient emerald mines or Mons Smaragdus (Emerald Mountains), this is one of the most famous and oldest mining complexes of the ancient world and is believed to have been used by the Pharaohs. Because the emerald is the oldest known gemstone, the deep green color is thought to be a symbol of eternity.