**
Archaeological excavations in Egypt’s western desert have unveiled a remarkably preserved city from the Byzantine era, dating back to the fourth century. This significant find offers fascinating insights into the daily lives, urban organisation, and economic activities of a society that flourished during a pivotal period in Egyptian history. Alongside this discovery, a separate archaeological site near Alexandria has yielded a series of ancient tombs, further enriching our understanding of the region’s historical landscape.
The Byzantine City Unearthed
Located in the Dakhla oasis of the New Valley governorate, the newly uncovered city features residential and religious structures, including a basilica-style church. Archaeologists have also recovered a wealth of artefacts, such as coins, pottery shards, and various tools, which provide a glimpse into the community’s daily existence. Hisham el-Leithy, the secretary general of the supreme council of antiquities, detailed that the layout of the city comprises north-south thoroughfares intersected by east-west streets, creating open squares and communal spaces.
Significantly, the basilica, constructed in the mid-fourth century, dominates the settlement, commanding a view over the main thoroughfares. Additionally, the remains of two watchtowers were discovered, suggesting that the area was fortified to protect its inhabitants. “The architecture reflects a well-planned urban environment,” stated Mahmoud Massoud, head of the archaeological mission, highlighting the sophistication of Byzantine urban design.
Daily Life in a Byzantine Community
Among the notable finds is the house of Tisous, a church deacon, believed to have served as a house church before the basilica’s construction. The site also revealed essential facilities such as bread ovens and kitchens, alongside grinding tools and bronze coins depicting Byzantine emperors, Latin inscriptions, and Christian symbols. A particularly intriguing group of gold coins, attributed to the reign of Emperor Constantius II (337-361 AD), sheds light on the economic transactions of the time.
In an impressive discovery, Diaa Zahran, head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish antiquities department, reported the recovery of approximately 200 pottery fragments used for writing, known as ostraca. These fragments contain inscriptions that detail everyday activities, commercial dealings, and personal correspondence, offering invaluable context to the lives of the city’s inhabitants.
Ancient Tombs at Marina el-Alamein
In a separate but equally significant discovery, archaeologists have explored the Marina el-Alamein site, located around 100 kilometres west of Alexandria. The team uncovered 18 ancient tombs, bringing the total at this location to 48. Among these are 11 rock-cut tombs with an average depth of eight metres and seven surface limestone tombs. The findings also include pottery vessels, amphorae, lamps, and limestone basins, contributing to the rich tapestry of Egyptian funerary practices.
Eman Abdel-Khaliq, the mission chief, described the discovery of a 2.5-metre-long granite sarcophagus containing skeletal remains currently under study. Nearby, archaeologists found remnants of a plaster sphinx statue and four gold pieces placed within the mouths of some deceased individuals—a funerary tradition believed to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.
Marina el-Alamein is thought to be the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Leukaspis, established in the second century and flourishing until the fourth century. The site, initially unearthed in 1986, continues to yield treasures that deepen our understanding of Egypt’s historical narrative.
Why it Matters
These archaeological discoveries are not only significant for their historical and cultural value but also underscore Egypt’s rich and complex past. The unearthed Byzantine city offers a window into urban life during a transformative era, while the ancient tombs at Marina el-Alamein reinforce the importance of burial practices in understanding ancient societies. As Egypt continues to explore and preserve its archaeological heritage, such findings will undoubtedly contribute to a greater appreciation of the region’s historical significance on a global scale.