Significant Archaeological Discoveries in Egypt Unveiled

Recent archaeological finds in Egypt are stirring excitement among historians and tourists alike. The Egyptian government announced two major discoveries aimed at revitalizing the country’s tourism sector, a critical source of foreign currency.

Byzantine-Era Residential City in Dakhla Oasis

Archaeologists have unearthed a well-preserved city from the Byzantine era within the Dakhla Oasis, located in Egypt’s western desert. This discovery sheds light on fourth-century urban landscapes and daily life when Egypt was under Byzantine rule.

Hisham el-Leithy of the supreme council of antiquities explained that the city includes intersecting streets forming public squares, with a mid-fourth-century basilica church at its center. The remains of watchtowers suggest fortified outskirts.

Mahmoud Massoud, mission chair, noted the discovery of heavily fortified structures with thick walls, alongside houses featuring reception halls and vaulted roofs. A particularly notable find was the house of a church deacon named Tisous, believed to have been a house church before a city basilica was constructed.

Artifacts include bread ovens, stone grinding tools, and bronze coins bearing Byzantine emperors’ portraits. Gold coins from the era of Roman emperor Constantius II add historical significance.

Islamic, Coptic and Jewish Antiquities department head Diaa Zahran reported 200 pottery fragments used for writing, revealing details of commerce and correspondence.

Marina el-Alamein Tomb Discoveries

The second site, Marina el-Alamein, offers rich insights into ancient burial practices. Located about 100 kilometers west of Alexandria, the site revealed 18 ancient tombs, increasing the total discovered to 48.

Findings include rock-cut tombs as deep as 8 meters and limestone-built tombs. Archaeologists found pottery vessels, amphorae, lamps, and limestone basins.

Mission chief Eman Abdel-Khaliq disclosed the discovery of a granite sarcophagus with skeleton remains and a plaster sphinx statue. Notably, gold pieces were found inside the mouths of some deceased, reflecting funerary customs of the era.

The site, believed to be the ancient port city Leukaspis, thrived from the second to fourth century.

Tourism Sector Revival

Egypt’s tourism has rebounded from political instability and pandemic challenges. In recent years, tourist numbers have increased significantly, exemplifying renewed interest in the nation’s historic sites.