Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com – Archaeologists working in the Kharga Oasis, located in Egypt’s Western Desert, have made a significant discovery by unearthing an ancient lost Coptic city.
This excavation was conducted by the Egyptian mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), which reported the discovery of numerous historical treasures, including residential buildings, churches, and cemeteries. A particularly notable discovery is a mural depicting Christ healing a sick person, which highlights the city’s religious significance.
Ruins of the ancient lost Coptic city found at the Ain al-Kharab site. Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Kharga Oasis is situated 550 km south of Cairo and has a history that dates back to 7,000 BC. It served as an essential transit point for desert caravans in ancient times. Known as the Southern Oasis to ancient Egyptians and the Oasis Magna to Romans, Kharga boasts several attractions, including Umm el-Dabadib Village with its Roman and Byzantine remains, the Temple of Dush, the Museum of Antiquities, and various ancient monuments, such as the Temple of Hibis and the Cemetery of Bagawat. The oasis has approximately 101,283 inhabitants, comprising Christian, Roman, Arab, Nubian, and Berber families, known for their rich cultural diversity.
The term “Copt” refers to native Egyptian Christians. Initially used in Classical Arabic to denote all Egyptians, it came to refer specifically to Egyptian Christians after most converted to Islam over time. Copts represent one of the oldest Christian communities in the Middle East, while remaining distinct within Egypt’s larger national fabric; they constitute between 10% and 20% of the native population today.
The recent discovery of an ancient Coptic city at the Ain al-Kharab site, located within the Islamic and Coptic archaeological zone of Kharga Oasis, provides valuable insights into Egypt’s transition from paganism to Christianity. Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, emphasized the significance of this find as it enhances our comprehension of religious transitions in Egypt. He noted that it underscores the values of tolerance and cultural diversity that are integral to Egyptian history.
According to a press release by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, recent excavations have confirmed that the site was in continuous use across multiple historical periods. Structures from the Roman era were repurposed during the early Coptic period and subsequently for the Islamic era, illustrating the site’s enduring function as a hub of life and continuity. The Western Oases are recognized as historical treasures, underscoring Egypt’s enduring significance in the region’s religious and cultural history.
Regional map of Egypt, with main cities and oasis areas. Credit: Public Domain
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, highlighted the significance of a recent archaeological find in enhancing our understanding of the early Coptic era. He noted that Kharga Oasis served as an important religious and social center across various historical periods, and this discovery further emphasizes its historical importance. The unearthed structures include mudbrick homes with plastered walls, service areas equipped with daily-use ovens, and storage spaces containing large pottery jars for the preservation of food and grain.
Seham Ismail, Director General of Antiquities in Kharga and head of the mission, provided insights into two churches discovered at the site. One is a large basilica-style church featuring a central hall flanked by two aisles, along with service buildings. The second is a smaller rectangular church where Coptic inscriptions are still visible on its interior walls. These discoveries, along with artifacts such as ostraca, pottery fragments, and stone relics, offer a detailed glimpse into early Christian life in this region.
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This discovery significantly elevates Egypt’s status as a cultural tourism hub while also deepening its contribution to the global discourse on the evolution of religion and history.
The El Bagawat Christian cemetery at Kharga Oasis. Credit: Kabaeh49 – CC BY-SA 2.0 de
As the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities continues to back archaeological endeavors, this find thoughtfully underscores the rich tapestry of history that lies hidden beneath Egypt’s sands, waiting to be revealed.
Written by Jan Bartek – AncientPages.com Staff Writer