Complete Byzantine City Discovered in Dakhla Oasis
Key Questions
What was discovered in the Dakhla Oasis?
A complete Byzantine city has been unearthed featuring a basilica church, a house church, 200 ostraca in Coptic and Greek, and coins of Constantius II. The well-preserved urban grid provides insight into late antique Christian community life.
Why is the Byzantine city discovery significant?
The site offers a rare glimpse into late antique Christian community life in the Egyptian desert due to its intact urban layout. It is described as one of the most complete Byzantine-era residential cities found in the western desert.
What artifacts were recovered from the Dakhla site?
Archaeologists found 200 ostraca written in Coptic and Greek along with coins minted under Constantius II. These items help date the settlement and illuminate daily life in the community.
A complete Byzantine city has been unearthed in the Dakhla Oasis, Egypt, featuring a basilica church, a house church, 200 ostraca in Coptic and Greek, and coins of Constantius II. The well-preserved urban grid offers a rare glimpse into late antique Christian community life in the Egyptian desert.