Egypt Uncovers Historic Byzantine City in Western Desert

CAIRO — A well-preserved Byzantine-era residential city in the western desert is one of two major archaeological finds announced by Egypt on Saturday.

Recent discoveries at Dakhla Oasis and Marina el-Alamein near Alexandria highlight ancient urban development and economic activities during the fourth century when Egypt was part of the Byzantine Empire.

The Dakhla Oasis site features north-south and east-west street layouts, forming public squares, along with a basilica church, watchtowers, and structures including reception halls and vaulted roofs. Archaeologists identified a house church predating the basilica and artifacts such as bread ovens, bronze coins with Byzantine emperors’ portraits, and Latin inscriptions.

At Marina el-Alamein, 18 ancient tombs were discovered, including rock-cut and limestone-built varieties, alongside pottery, lamps, and a 2.5-meter granite sarcophagus with remains of a plaster sphinx. Funerary practices included placing gold pieces in deceased mouths, known as “the golden tongue.”

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