Egypt's recent archaeological discoveries in the western desert have unearthed a well-preserved Byzantine-era city, shedding light on daily life, urban development, and economic activities of the time. This find, along with the discovery of ancient tombs and artifacts at the Marina el-Alamein site, is expected to boost Egypt's tourism sector, which has been recovering from years of political turmoil and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The unearthed quarters in the Dakhla Oasis reveal a sophisticated urban layout with north-south thoroughfares, east-west streets, and public spaces, including a basilica church and watchtowers. The site also features a heavily fortified structure with thick defensive walls and houses with reception halls and vaulted roofs. Among the artifacts are bronze coins bearing Byzantine emperors' portraits, Latin inscriptions, and Christian symbols, as well as a collection of pottery fragments used for writing, known as octraca. The Marina el-Alamein site, discovered in 1986, is believed to be the ancient Greco-Roman port city of Leukaspis, dating back to the second century. The findings include rock-cut tombs, surface limestone-built tombs, pottery vessels, amphorae, lamps, plates, altars, and limestone basins. These discoveries not only provide valuable insights into the past but also contribute to Egypt's cultural heritage and attract global attention, potentially enhancing the country's reputation as a tourist destination.
