Byzantine City Over 1,600 Years Old Discovered in Egypt's Western Desert
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
First reported by Ynet · Jul 6, 2026
What happened
Archaeologists discovered a 1,600-year-old Byzantine city in Egypt's Western Desert, revealing a well-planned settlement with homes, a church, and everyday artifacts. The site offers rare insights into desert life during Byzantine rule and early Christianity. Concurrently, ancient tombs with gold burial customs were found near Alexandria, highlighting diverse aspects of Egypt's ancient history.
- 01A 1,600-year-old Byzantine city was found in Egypt's Western Desert at Dakhla Oasis.
- 02The city features planned streets, mudbrick homes, a basilica church, and defensive towers.
- 03About 200 pottery shards with Greek and Coptic texts reveal daily life and commerce.
- 04Coins from Emperor Constantius II's era helped date the settlement's main period.
- 05Nearby, 18 ancient tombs with gold burial leaves were uncovered near Alexandria.
- 06These discoveries shed light on both daily life and funerary customs in ancient Egypt.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
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