The Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, operating at the Ain Al-Sabil archaeological site in the Dakhla Oasis, New Valley Governorate, has successfully uncovered an integrated residential city dating back to the Byzantine era. The entire complex was constructed using mud-brick, brought to light as part of ongoing excavation works at the site.
Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized that this discovery is a significant addition to the record of Egyptian archaeological finds. He noted that it highlights the cultural diversity witnessed by Egyptian oases across different eras, adding that such discoveries enrich the archaeological and tourist destinations of the New Valley Governorate, supporting state efforts to develop the region and bolster its position on the cultural tourism map.
For his part, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the importance of the discovery lies in the fresh and precise insights it provides regarding the daily life of the Egyptian community in the Dakhla Oasis during the Byzantine period. He indicated that the excavation results have successfully documented various architectural, social, and economic aspects that characterized the region during that era.
Dr. Diaa Zahran, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, pointed out that the discovered city followed an organized urban layout. It features main streets extending from north to south, intersected by side streets running from east to west, forming open squares and plazas. A basilican church stands prominently at the center, overlooking one of the main thoroughfares.
Dr. Mahmoud Masoud, Director General of Dakhla Antiquities and Head of the Mission, added that the city encompasses all the essential architectural elements required for an integrated residential community. This includes the basilican church, which dates back to the mid-4th century AD, the remains of two watchtowers at the city's edges, a fortress with thick defensive walls, and a collection of houses featuring spacious halls and vaulted ceilings, alongside bread ovens, kitchens, and grain-milling tools.
Among the most prominent buildings uncovered is the house of "Thesos," a church deacon, which dates back to the second half of the 4th century AD, and the house of "Tabebos," dating to the early 4th century AD, which is believed to have been used as a house-church before the city's basilican church was constructed.
The excavations also yielded an outstanding collection of artifacts reflecting multiple facets of the residents' daily lives and economic activities. The finds include pottery vessels for domestic use, bottles for preserving oils and perfumes, lighting lamps, and the remains of stone tools used for milling grain.
Dr. Zahran, who also serves as Director of the Excavations Department within the Islamic and Coptic Antiquities Sector, further noted that among the most critical discoveries is a large cache of written documents. These consist of approximately 200 ostraca (inscribed pottery shards) written in Coptic and Greek, which document buying and selling transactions, correspondence, and other fine details of the inhabitants' daily lives.
Additionally, the mission unearthed a large number of bronze coins in an excellent state of preservation, bearing images of Byzantine emperors, Latin inscriptions, and Christian symbols. These were found alongside a stash of gold coins dating back to the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Constantius II, who ruled the empire from 337 to 361 AD.
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