Byzantine city from 4th century unearthed in Egypt's Dakhla Oasis

A remarkably well-preserved Byzantine-era city, dating back to the 4th century AD, has been discovered in Egypt's Dakhla Oasis. Archaeologists describe the find as a crucial key to understanding the daily life of the period, and the oasis itself may soon be added to UNESCO's World Heritage list.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of the ancient settlement. According to Diaa Zahran, head of the ministry's department for Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish antiquities, the city was laid out with main north-south streets intersected by east-west thoroughfares, featuring several open squares. Excavations have revealed a fortified building with thick walls, numerous mudbrick houses, and two watchtowers. At the city's center stands an ancient Christian church overlooking one of the main streets.

The site offers unique insights into the inhabitants' daily routines. Archaeologist Zahran Mahdi, head of the excavation department, reported the discovery of approximately 200 ostraca, pottery shards inscribed with texts in Coptic and Greek. These inscriptions document commercial transactions, correspondence, and various everyday details. Numerous coins were also found, including bronze coins depicting Byzantine emperors, Latin inscriptions, and Christian symbols, as well as gold coins from the reign of Emperor Constantius II in the mid-4th century.

Several intact burial chambers were also found, with their original stone block entrances still in place. One granite sarcophagus, approximately 2.5 meters long, had its lid intact, suggesting the graves had remained undisturbed for nearly two millennia. Inside, archaeologists discovered human remains, pottery, amphorae, and other grave goods. The findings are considered a significant scientific success and are expected to boost Egypt's tourism industry, which is showing signs of recovery after years of political and economic instability.

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En gömd bysantinsk – östromersk – stad från 300-talet har grävts fram i Dakhlaoasen i Egypten.