Integrated Byzantine-era residential city uncovered in Egypt’s Western Desert oasis
Integrated Byzantine-era residential city uncovered in Egypt’s Western Desert oasis
19:44, 3 July 2026
An Egyptian archaeological mission has uncovered a Byzantine-era residential city in Dakhla Oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert, offering new insights into urban planning and daily life during the Byzantine period, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said on Friday, Xinhuareports.
Located at the Ain al-Sabil archaeological site in New Valley Governorate, the city, built entirely of mud brick, follows a well-planned urban layout, featuring main streets running from north to south and intersected by east-west cross streets that form open squares. A basilica church occupies a central location overlooking one of the city’s main thoroughfares
Mahmoud Massoud, head of the excavation mission, said the settlement included key architectural elements of a self-sufficient community, such as a basilica church, the remains of two watchtowers on the city’s outskirts, a heavily fortified stronghold, residential buildings with large halls and vaulted roofs, as well as bread ovens, kitchens and grain-grinding facilities
Excavations also yielded a collection of artifacts reflecting the daily life and economic activities of the settlement’s inhabitants, including pottery for domestic use, flasks for oils and perfumes, oil lamps, and stone tools used for grinding grain
Archaeologists also uncovered around 200 ostraca inscribed in Coptic and Greek documenting commercial transactions, correspondence, and other aspects of everyday life
In addition, the mission found a large number of well-preserved bronze coins bearing portraits of Byzantine emperors, Latin inscriptions, and Christian symbols, as well as a collection of gold coins dating to the reign of Byzantine Emperor Constantius II (AD 337-361)
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the discovery enriches Egypt’s archaeological record, highlights the cultural diversity of the country’s oases throughout history, and will help promote cultural tourism in the region while showcasing its rich archaeological heritage
Earlier, it was reportedthe 2,500-year-old temple had been unearthed in Egypt’s desert.
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Adlet Seilkhanov
