Archaeologists have uncovered a well-preserved Byzantine-era city at the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert, according to the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. This significant discovery, made by a mission from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), offers crucial insights into daily life during the Byzantine Empire.
The excavation of this fourth-century settlement revealed a comprehensive street grid, residential and religious structures, as well as fortifications. Excavators found coins, pottery fragments, and tools that highlight the city’s historical significance.
Key Features of the Byzantine City
The city was architecturally advanced, featuring wide north-south roads intersecting with east-west streets, which created open public spaces. At the center of the settlement stood a fourth-century Christian basilica, strategically placed along one of the main thoroughfares, while two watchtowers protected its perimeter.
Among the residential buildings was the home of a deacon named Tisous, alongside another structure believed to have originally served as a house church prior to the basilica's construction. Excavators also uncovered essential facilities such as bread ovens, kitchens, and grain-grinding installations.
Significant Archaeological Finds
Noteworthy artifacts from the site include a collection of gold coins dating to the reign of Roman Emperor Constantius II (337-361 AD) and approximately 200 ostraca—pottery fragments used for writing. These ostraca contain Coptic and Greek inscriptions, documenting commercial contracts, business transactions, and personal correspondence, providing rare evidence of the city’s social and economic life.
- Gold coins from the reign of Constantius II
- About 200 ostraca with inscriptions in Coptic and Greek
- Residential structures including deacon Tisous’s home
- Facilities like bread ovens and kitchens
Importance of the Discovery
This discovery represents one of the most significant Byzantine settlements found in Egypt’s Western Desert to date, according to Hisham el-Leithy, secretary general of the SCA. The findings not only enhance our understanding of Byzantine architecture and urban planning but also shed light on the daily lives of its inhabitants.
As excavations continue, researchers hope to uncover even more artifacts that could provide additional insights into this fascinating period of Egyptian history.
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