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Image Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
New Excavations Reveal Urban Development of Ancient Alexandria
Rescue excavations in the Muharram Bey district of Alexandria have uncovered significant archaeological remains that provide new insight into the city’s urban development across multiple historical periods.
The work, conducted by the Supreme Council of Antiquities, revealed a continuous sequence of occupation extending from the Ptolemaic period through the Roman era and into the Byzantine period. This confirms the long-term importance of the area within the urban fabric of ancient Alexandria.
Among the most notable discoveries is a circular public bath of the “tholoi” type dating to the late Ptolemaic period. The excavation also uncovered the remains of a Roman residential villa distinguished by mosaic pavements of varying styles, reflecting a high level of architectural planning and domestic luxury.
The site further yielded advanced hydraulic installations, including a small bathing basin associated with the villa and an integrated water management system. These features highlight the sophistication of infrastructure in ancient Alexandria.
Researchers also documented diverse mosaic techniques, including Opus Tessellatum and Opus Sectile, indicating the presence of multiple artistic traditions during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
The discovery is particularly important for understanding the southeastern sector of the ancient city, an area that has remained relatively understudied. The findings support earlier attempts to reconstruct Alexandria’s urban layout, including historical mapping efforts based on scientific and topographical analysis.
In addition to architectural remains, the excavations produced a range of movable artifacts. These include marble statues representing deities such as Bacchus and Asclepius, as well as a headless statue believed to depict Minerva. Other finds—coins, lamps, ceramic vessels, and stamped amphora fragments—reflect the city’s active commercial and cultural connections across the Mediterranean.
Preliminary conservation work on the artifacts is already underway, with plans to transfer them to specialized laboratories. Authorities are also studying the possibility of displaying selected pieces at the Graeco-Roman Museum.
The excavation is ongoing, and further discoveries are expected to contribute additional information about the evolution of Alexandria’s urban landscape.
Published on: 03-05-2026
Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie
