Egypt Unearths Byzantine Residential Ruins and Ancient Tombs

Recent archaeological discoveries in Egypt promise to enhance its tourism sector. The Byzantine-era finds are at the Dakhla Oasis in the western desert and the Marina el-Alamein site near Alexandria. These findings are crucial for Egypt’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism alongside the Suez Canal for foreign revenue.

Dakhla Oasis Discovery

The Dakhla Oasis unearthed details about life during the Byzantine empire in the fourth century. The site features thoroughfares, open squares, and public spaces. A basilica church, dating back to the mid-fourth century, is central to the settlement. Two watchtowers suggest measures for community safety.

Massoud, the mission chair, highlighted a fortified structure with thick walls and houses featuring reception halls and vaulted roofs. The house of Tisous, a deacon’s residence, may have served as a house church prior to the basilica’s construction. Finds include ovens, kitchens, bronze coins with emperors’ portraits, Latin inscriptions, and Christian symbols. Additionally, gold coins from Emperor Constantius II’s reign were discovered.

Diaa Zahran noted the discovery of 200 pottery fragments, or octraca, used for documenting transactions and daily activities.

Marina el-Alamein Findings

In Marina el-Alamein, archaeologists discovered 18 tombs, including 11 rock-cut and seven limestone-built structures. This brings the total number of tombs unearthed at the site to 48.

Artifacts such as pottery, lamps, and limestone vessels were found. A significant find is a 2.5-meter granite sarcophagus with skeletal remains. Near it, remnants of a plaster sphinx were identified. Golden tongue pieces, linked to ancient funerary customs, were also discovered.

The site, believed to be the Greco-Roman port city of Leukaspis, flourished from the second to fourth century. Archaeologists continue their studies of its ancient relics.

Tourism and Economic Impact

The Egyptian tourism industry is gradually recovering from past political unrest and the pandemic. Official data showed 19 million tourists visiting Egypt last year, marking a significant rise. A continued upward trend in tourist arrivals is evident from early 2026 statistics.