Lost Byzantine City Unearthed in Egypt's Western Desert

Egypt has unveiled a significant archaeological find: a remarkably preserved Byzantine-era residential city discovered in the western desert's Dakhla Oasis. This discovery, announced alongside another major find at the Marina el-Alamein site near Alexandria, is part of Egypt's ongoing efforts to leverage its rich historical heritage to bolster its crucial tourism sector.

The city, dating back to the fourth century when Egypt was part of the Byzantine empire, offers a detailed glimpse into daily life, urban planning, and economic activities of the period. Hisham el-Leithy, secretary general of the supreme council of antiquities, noted that the unearthed quarters featured intersecting thoroughfares forming open squares and public spaces. A basilica church from the mid-fourth century overlooks the main streets, complemented by remains of two watchtowers.

“

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

Mahmoud Massoud, head of the archaeological mission, highlighted the discovery of a heavily fortified structure with thick defensive walls and numerous houses featuring reception halls and vaulted roofs. Among these was the house of Tisous, identified as a church deacon and believed to have served as a house church before the city's basilica was built. Evidence of daily life, such as bread ovens, kitchens, and stone grinding tools, was also found, alongside well-preserved bronze coins bearing Byzantine emperor portraits and gold coins from the reign of Constantius II.

“

A heavily fortified structure with thick defensive walls, and many houses consisting of reception halls and vaulted roofs were found in the area.

Further details emerged from Diaa Zahran, head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities department, who reported the recovery of approximately 200 pottery fragments, known as ostraca, inscribed with details of commercial transactions, correspondence, and other aspects of daily life. Separately, 18 ancient tombs, including 11 rock-cut and seven limestone-built structures, were found at the Marina el-Alamein site, underscoring the breadth of Egypt's ongoing archaeological endeavors.

These discoveries are particularly significant as Egypt, a nation heavily reliant on foreign currency from tourism and the Suez Canal, seeks to revitalize its economy. The Dakhla Oasis itself is on UNESCO's Tentative List, a step towards potential World Heritage status, further enhancing its appeal to international visitors.

“

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