Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a complete Christian city dating back to the Byzantine era, complete with a basilica church, homes, and an archive of written documents. The discovery was announced by Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on July 3.
The remnants were found during excavations at the Ain al-Sabil archaeological site in the Dakhla Oasis of the New Valley Governorate, approximately 185 miles west of Luxor. Ministry officials described the city as a significant find from Christianity's earliest centuries.
The city's buildings, all constructed of mudbrick, include a basilica church dating to the mid-fourth century A.D., two watchtowers on the outskirts, a fortress with thick defensive walls, and a cluster of houses. Archaeologists also identified the home of Tisos, a church deacon, dating to the second half of the fourth century A.D., and the house of Tapibos, believed to have served as a house church before the basilica's construction.
Diaa Zahran, head of the Islamic, Coptic and Jewish Antiquities Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, noted the city's well-planned urban layout, with main streets intersecting to create open squares and plazas. The basilica church stands at the city's center.
Artifacts recovered from the site include household pottery, bottles for oils and perfumes, oil lamps, and stone tools for grinding grain. A treasure trove of coins, including well-preserved bronze coins bearing images of Byzantine emperors, Latin inscriptions, and Christian symbols, was also found. Some gold coins date to the reign of Emperor Constantius II (337-361 A.D.).
One of the most significant discoveries was an archive of 200 ostraca—broken pieces of pottery or limestone—with Coptic and Greek inscriptions. These texts record sales transactions, correspondence, and other details of everyday life.
Egypt has been the site of several historic Christian discoveries in recent years, offering insights into the growth of Christian communities in the region during the Byzantine period. Earlier this year, archaeologists uncovered an ancient Christian monastic complex in Upper Egypt, shedding light on monastic life before the Arab conquest.