In a remarkable archaeological discovery, researchers have unearthed a remarkably preserved city from the Byzantine era in Egypt’s western desert. This fourth-century settlement, located in the Dakhla oasis within the New Valley governorate, offers a unique glimpse into daily life during a pivotal period of Egyptian history. Alongside this significant find, further explorations have revealed ancient tombs near Alexandria, adding to the wealth of knowledge about the region’s rich past.
A Window into Byzantine Life
The excavation in Dakhla has unveiled a range of structures that reflect the urban development and economic activities of the time. Among the notable findings are residential quarters and a basilica-style church, indicative of the religious and communal life during the period when Egypt was part of the Byzantine Empire.
Hisham el-Leithy, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the layout of the city, noting the presence of north-south thoroughfares intersecting with east-west streets, creating public squares that would have served as social gathering places. A significant basilica from the mid-fourth century dominates the site, overlooking the main thoroughfares and accompanied by the remnants of two watchtowers designed for defense.
Mahmoud Massoud, head of the archaeological mission, highlighted the fortifications of the city, including thick defensive walls and well-structured homes featuring vaulted roofs and reception halls. The discovery of essential amenities such as bread ovens, kitchens, and stone grinding tools further illustrates the daily workings of this ancient society.
Artifacts of Daily Life
The archaeological team has also uncovered a wealth of artefacts that paint a vivid picture of Byzantine life. Among these are bronze coins bearing the likenesses of Byzantine emperors, Latin inscriptions, and Christian symbols. A particularly intriguing find is a collection of gold coins dating back to the reign of Roman Emperor Constantius II, who ruled from 337 to 361 AD.
Additionally, a cache of approximately 200 pottery fragments, known as ostraca, has been found. These pieces, inscribed with details of commercial transactions and personal correspondence, reveal insights into the social and economic interactions of the time. Diaa Zahran, head of the Islamic, Coptic and Jewish antiquities department, emphasized the importance of these inscriptions in understanding the daily lives of the inhabitants.
Discoveries at Marina el-Alamein
Simultaneously, a separate archaeological mission at Marina el-Alamein, located about 100 kilometres west of Alexandria, has yielded significant findings. Eman Abdel-Khaliq, the mission chief, reported the discovery of 18 ancient tombs, bringing the total number of tombs identified at the site to 48. These include rock-cut and limestone tombs, along with various funerary artefacts such as pottery vessels, amphorae, and altars.
A noteworthy find is a 2.5-metre-long granite sarcophagus, which contained skeletal remains currently under study. Close to the sarcophagus, archaeologists discovered a plaster sphinx statue, further enriching the site’s historical narrative. Additionally, four gold pieces, traditionally placed in the mouths of the deceased—a practice known as “the golden tongue”—were recovered, reflecting the funerary customs of the era.
Marina el-Alamein, believed to be the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Leukaspis, thrived from the second to the fourth century. The site’s historical significance was recognised when it was first excavated in 1986, and these latest findings bolster its status as a key location for understanding Egypt’s ancient maritime and cultural heritage.
Why it Matters
These discoveries not only illuminate the intricacies of Byzantine urban life but also underscore the continuous historical narrative of Egypt, bridging ancient and modern times. As archaeologists piece together the remnants of these past societies, we gain invaluable insights into the cultural, social, and economic frameworks that shaped the region. Such findings are pivotal, not only for academic scholarship but also for the global understanding of Egypt’s role in the tapestry of human history.
