The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism has announced the discovery of a collection of archaeological and architectural elements that shed light on the development of urban life in Alexandria throughout its ancient historical eras. This was stated in an official announcement by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, who described this discovery as a qualitative addition to the record of archaeological findings in the city.
The minister pointed out that this discovery reflects the historical and civilizational importance of Alexandria, which was one of the most prominent cultural centers in the ancient world, highlighting its unique status as one of the most important historical cities, showcasing the accumulated cultural richness and diversity over the ages.
Details of the Discovery
The excavations took place in the Moharram Bek area in downtown Alexandria, and the results of the discovery have redrawn the urban map of the ancient city. The minister emphasized the ongoing Egyptian efforts to protect and preserve archaeological heritage, particularly through rescue excavations associated with development projects, achieving a balance between heritage preservation and supporting sustainable development plans.
Founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great, Alexandria became the capital of Egypt and a global cultural center, housing many tourist attractions dating back to the Greek (Ptolemaic), Roman, and Byzantine eras, such as the Roman Theater, the Column of Pompey, and the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa.
Background & Context
The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, explained that the excavations revealed a complete civilizational sequence starting from the Ptolemaic era, through the Roman era, and into the Byzantine era, reflecting the continuity of settlement at the site across successive time periods.
Among the notable discoveries, a circular public bath of the Tholoi type dating back to the late Ptolemaic period was found, along with the remains of a Roman residential villa featuring multi-style mosaic floors, reflecting a high level of luxury and urban planning during those periods.
Impact & Consequences
These discoveries provide a comprehensive model for the evolution of residential and service architecture in ancient Alexandria, as the excavations uncovered advanced water facilities, including a bathtub associated with the Roman villa, equipped with a comprehensive water management system. The diversity of mosaic floor techniques discovered also reflects the richness of artistic schools in Alexandria during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
The new findings reassess the historical maps of the city, particularly the works of Mahmoud Pasha Al-Falaki, which are among the first scientific attempts to reconstruct the urban planning of Alexandria. They also confirm that the area was within the urban scope inside the walls of Alexandria until the Byzantine era, before its significance declined later due to changes in urban planning.
Regional Significance
These discoveries represent an important step in enhancing cultural and historical awareness in the region, reflecting the richness of Arab civilizational heritage. They also highlight the importance of preserving archaeological sites as part of the cultural identity of the nation, thereby promoting cultural tourism and attracting visitors from around the world.
In conclusion, these archaeological discoveries underscore the importance of Alexandria as a historical city rich in heritage and affirm the necessity of continuing efforts in protection and restoration to preserve this cultural legacy for future generations.