Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recently announced the discovery of a Byzantine-era settlement in the Dakhla Oasis and 18 ancient tombs at the Marina el-Alamein archaeological site. These findings, which include residential structures and funerary artifacts, provide new data on fourth-century economic life and burial practices, as the Egyptian government seeks to bolster its tourism sector—a vital source of foreign currency alongside the Suez Canal.
Byzantine Settlement Details in Dakhla Oasis
Excavations in the Dakhla Oasis have uncovered a well-preserved settlement dating to the fourth century, a period when Egypt was part of the Byzantine Empire. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the site features a planned urban layout, including primary streets, open plazas, and public spaces. A basilica church from the mid-fourth century serves as a focal point, situated near two defensive watchtowers.
Archaeologists identified a heavily fortified building with thick defensive walls and multiple houses featuring curved roofs. One notable residence belonged to Tisous, identified by researchers as a church deacon. Evidence suggests this structure functioned as a “house church” before the construction of the larger basilica. The site also contained domestic utility areas, including bread ovens, kitchens, and stone grinders.
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Archaeologists recovered approximately 200 ostraka—pottery shards used as writing surfaces—at the Dakhla site. These artifacts contain inscriptions detailing commercial transactions and personal correspondence, offering a rare glimpse into the daily lives of fourth-century residents.
Artifacts and Numismatic Evidence
The Dakhla site yielded significant numismatic evidence, including bronze coins bearing the portraits of Byzantine emperors and gold coins dating to the reign of Roman Emperor Constantius II, who ruled from 337 to 361. These coins, alongside Latin inscriptions and Christian symbols, confirm the site’s historical timeline and cultural affiliations.
Funerary Findings at Marina el-Alamein
Separate excavations at the Marina el-Alamein site, located 100 kilometers west of Alexandria, have expanded the known necropolis. According to mission head Eman Abdel-Khaliq, the team discovered 18 additional tombs, bringing the total at the site to 48. These include 11 rock-cut tombs with an average depth of 8 meters and seven surface-level limestone structures.
The team recovered a variety of funerary goods, such as pottery vessels, amphorae, lamps, plates, altars, and limestone basins. A 2.5-meter-long granite sarcophagus containing human remains is currently under scientific analysis. Near the sarcophagus, archaeologists located fragments of a gypsum sphinx. Notably, several remains featured four gold pieces placed in the mouth, a practice identified by researchers as “gold tongues,” which was associated with the funeral beliefs of that era.
Tourism Recovery and Economic Impact
These discoveries come as Egypt’s tourism industry continues to rebound from the political instability following the 2011 revolution and the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Government data indicates that 19 million tourists visited Egypt last year, representing a 21% increase over 2024 figures. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities views these archaeological sites as key assets in attracting international visitors and sustaining the country’s economic recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of the “gold tongues” found in Marina el-Alamein?
The “gold tongues” are artifacts placed in the mouths of the deceased, reflecting specific funerary rituals and religious beliefs practiced during the era. - What do the ostraka found in Dakhla Oasis reveal?
The approximately 200 pottery shards function as historical documents, containing inscriptions that detail commercial business transactions and personal letters from the fourth century. - How do these discoveries influence Egypt’s tourism sector?
As a primary source of foreign currency, the discovery and preservation of historical sites are prioritized by the government to attract international tourism, which saw a 21% increase last year compared to 2024.
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