A well-preserved Byzantine-era residential city in Egypt’s western desert and new finds at the Marina el-Alamein site have been announced as significant archaeological discoveries. These findings are part of Egypt’s efforts to enhance its tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy alongside the Suez Canal.
The Tourism and Antiquities Ministry reported that the Dakhla Oasis discovery provides insights into daily life and urban planning from the fourth century when Egypt was part of the Byzantine Empire. The excavation revealed a network of streets intersecting to form public spaces. A basilica church and two watchtowers were also uncovered, illustrating the strategic planning of the settlement.
The Dakhla Oasis, located in Egypt’s New Valley province, is on UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage designation. The area featured heavily fortified structures, including reception halls and vaulted roofs. One significant find was the house of Tisous, believed to have been a deacon’s residence and served as a house church.
Archaeologists discovered bread ovens, stone tools, bronze coins with emperor portraits, and gold coins from the era of Emperor Constantius II. A collection of pottery fragments used for writing, known as ostraca, detailed aspects of Byzantine daily life.
“These discoveries provide a fascinating glimpse into the past,” said Diaa Zahran, head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities department.
Separately, 18 ancient tombs were uncovered at the Marina el-Alamein site, west of Alexandria. This includes rock-cut and limestone-built tombs. To date, a total of 48 tombs have been discovered at the site.
Among the findings were pottery, lamps, and a granite sarcophagus with skeletal remains, alongside a plaster sphinx statue. Mission chief Eman Abdel-Khaliq reported discovering gold pieces in some mouths of the deceased, echoing ancient funerary customs.
Marina el-Alamein, believed to be the ancient city of Leukaspis, was a prominent Greco-Roman port built in the second century, thriving until the fourth century.
Egypt’s tourism sector has seen recovery following years of political instability and the pandemic’s impact. Official figures noted a record 19 million tourists last year, up by 21% from 2024. The first four months of 2026 welcomed 6.1 million tourists, a rise from the previous year’s figures.