Archaeological Discovery in Egypt’s Western Desert

The Egyptian government has announced two significant archaeological discoveries in the western desert, which are expected to boost the country’s vital tourism sector. The first discovery, made in the Dakhla Oasis, has revealed a well-preserved Byzantine-era residential city, while the second discovery, made at the Marina el-Alamein archaeological site near Alexandria, has uncovered 18 ancient tombs.

Byzantine-Era Residential City

The Byzantine-era residential city in the Dakhla Oasis has provided a unique glimpse into the daily life, urban development, and economic activities of the region in the fourth century. The site features north-south thoroughfares intersected by east-west streets, forming open squares and public spaces. A basilica church, dating back to the mid-fourth century, stands at the settlement’s head, overlooking its main streets. The church is accompanied by remains of two watchtowers, which were used to safeguard the outskirts of the city.

The archaeological team has also discovered a heavily fortified structure with thick defensive walls and many houses consisting of reception halls and vaulted roofs. One of the houses, identified as the residence of Tisous, a church deacon, has been dated to the second half of the fourth century. This house is believed to have served as a house church before the construction of the city’s basilica.

The site has also yielded a range of artifacts, including bread ovens, kitchens, and stone grinding tools, which were used to produce food. Bronze coins bearing portraits of Byzantine emperors, Latin inscriptions, and Christian symbols have also been found, along with a group of gold coins dating to the reign of Roman Emperor Constantius II.

The discovery of ocraca, or pottery fragments used as writing material, has provided a valuable insight into the commercial transactions and correspondence of the region. These fragments have inscriptions detailing daily life, urban development, and economic activities in the fourth century.

Marina el-Alamein Archaeological Site

The Marina el-Alamein archaeological site, located near Alexandria, has yielded 18 ancient tombs, bringing the total number of tombs found in the site to 48. The tombs include 11 rock-cut tombs, with an average depth of 8 meters, and seven surface limestone-built tombs. The site has also produced a range of artifacts, including pottery vessels, amphorae, lamps, plates, altars, and limestone basins.

A 2.5-meter-long granite sarcophagus, with skeleton remains, has been discovered in the site. Close to the sarcophagus, the remains of a plaster sphinx statue have been found. The team has also discovered four gold pieces placed inside the mouths of some of the deceased, known as