Egypt Uncovers Lost Byzantine-Era City in Western Desert

Egypt has unearthed a significant Byzantine-era residential city in its western desert, offering a glimpse into daily life during the fourth century. The discovery at the Dakhla Oasis, announced alongside another find near Alexandria, is part of Egypt's ongoing efforts to bolster its crucial tourism industry. Archaeologists revealed that the unearthed city features a grid of streets, public squares, and a basilica church. The settlement also includes remains of watchtowers, fortified structures, and numerous houses, some identified as belonging to prominent figures like a church deacon. Evidence of economic activity, such as bread ovens, kitchens, and grinding tools, was also found. The site yielded well-preserved bronze and gold coins bearing portraits of Byzantine emperors and Roman rulers, as well as pottery fragments with inscriptions. These findings provide valuable insights into urban development, economic activities, and religious life during the Byzantine period in Egypt. The Dakhla Oasis is currently on UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage status.

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