Ancient Byzantine city unearthed in Egypt's western desert

An ancient Byzantine city, remarkably preserved, has been unearthed by archaeologists in Egypt's western desert. The fourth-century settlement, located in the Dakhla oasis, offers a detailed glimpse into daily life, urban development, and economic activities during Egypt's Byzantine era.

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The unearthed quarters included north-south thoroughfares intersected by east-west streets, forming open squares and public spaces.

The discovery includes residential and religious structures, prominently featuring a basilica-style church that overlooks the main streets. The city's layout reveals north-south thoroughfares intersected by east-west streets, creating public spaces. Remains of two watchtowers suggest a need for defense on the outskirts. A heavily fortified structure with thick walls was also found, alongside numerous houses with reception halls and vaulted roofs.

Among the significant finds are bread ovens, kitchens, grinding tools, and bronze coins bearing portraits of Byzantine emperors. Some gold coins date back to the reign of Roman emperor Constantius II (337-361 AD). Additionally, approximately 200 pottery fragments, known as ostraca, were discovered, inscribed with details of commercial transactions and daily correspondence.

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A basilica dating back to the mid-fourth century stands at the settlement’s head, overlooking its main streets, along with remains of two watchtowers to safeguard the outskirts.

In a separate discovery near Alexandria, 18 ancient tombs were found at the Marina el-Alamein archaeological site. These include rock-cut and limestone tombs, some containing pottery vessels, lamps, altars, and a granite sarcophagus. This brings the total number of tombs found at the site to 48, further enriching our understanding of ancient burial practices.

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The fragments, known as ostraca, have inscriptions detailing commercial transactions, correspondence and other details of daily life.