Archaeologists in Egypt have made an extraordinary discovery: a remarkably well-preserved residential city dating back to the Byzantine era. Located in the Dakhla Oasis, in the New Valley Governorate of Egypt's Western Desert, the ancient settlement offers a rare and detailed look into the daily life, urban organization, and economic activities of the fourth century AD.
The city, known as Ain al-Sabil, was constructed entirely from mud brick and shows evidence of careful urban planning. It features an organized grid layout with main streets running north-south, intersected by east-west cross-streets that connect to open squares and shared courtyards. To protect the residents, the town was defended by a large fortified stronghold and two watchtowers on its outskirts.
Among the most significant structures uncovered is a central basilica church, which served as a religious and community hub. Archaeologists also identified specific homes, including the residence of a church deacon named Tisos and another building, Tabibos, which is believed to have functioned as an early house church before the main basilica was built. The houses themselves were designed with vaulted ceilings, spacious halls, bread ovens, kitchens, and stone grinding tools.
In addition to the architecture, the site yielded a treasure trove of historical artifacts. Excavators recovered nearly 200 ostraca—pottery shards used as writing surfaces—inscribed in Coptic and Greek. These shards document daily commercial transactions and personal letters, offering a direct window into the community's social and economic life.
Archaeologists also discovered bronze coins featuring portraits of Byzantine emperors, as well as gold coins from the reign of Emperor Constantius II, who ruled from AD 337 to 361. Other household items, such as oil lamps, pottery, and glass perfume vials, were also found.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, this major discovery highlights the historical diversity of Egypt’s desert oases and is expected to boost cultural tourism in the region.