Archaeologists Just Discovered an Intact Ancient City Hidden in Egypt’s Western Desert

Published on July 7, 2026

Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Archaeologists working in Egypt’s Western Desert have uncovered a well-preserved Byzantine-era city at the Dakhla Oasis, reports Heritage Daily. According to the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the discovery provides important insights into daily life when Egypt was part of the Byzantine Empire.

Excavation of the fourth-century settlement, conducted at the Ain Al-Sabil archaeological site by a mission from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), revealed a street grid, residential and religious buildings, and fortifications. The find also included coins, pottery fragments, and tools.

According to Hisham el-Leithy, secretary general of the SCA, the city was built around wide north-south roads intersected by east-west streets, creating open public spaces. At its heart, a fourth-century Christian basilica overlooking one of the city’s main thoroughfares, while two watchtowers guarded its outskirts.

Archaeologists Just Discovered an Intact Ancient City Hidden in Egypt’s Western Desert

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