Archaeological Discovery in Moharam Bek Sheds Light on the Evolution of Urban Life in Alexandria

An Egyptian rescue excavation mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered a distinguished collection of archaeological and architectural elements in the Moharam Bek area of central Alexandria. The discovery provides valuable insight into the development of urban life in the city across its various historical periods.

 

Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, described the discovery as a significant addition to Alexandria’s record of archaeological finds. He emphasized that it reflects the city’s historical and cultural importance as one of the most prominent centers of the ancient world, highlighting its unique status as a major historical metropolis shaped by rich and diverse cultural layers over time.

 

He added that the results contribute to redrawing the urban map of ancient Alexandria and reaffirm Egypt’s ongoing efforts to protect and preserve its archaeological heritage, particularly through rescue excavations linked to development projects. These efforts aim to strike a balance between heritage conservation and sustainable development.

 

For his part, Hesham El-Leithy, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, 

explained that the excavations revealed a complete cultural sequence spanning from the Ptolemaic period through the Roman period and into the Byzantine period, reflecting continuous habitation at the site over successive eras.

 

Among the most notable discoveries is a circular public bath of the “Tholoi” type dating back to the late Ptolemaic period, in addition to the remains of a Roman residential villa featuring multi-style mosaic floors, indicating a high level of luxury and advanced urban planning during those times.

Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, noted that the site offers a comprehensive model of the evolution of residential and service architecture in ancient Alexandria. Excavations also revealed advanced water installations, including a bathing basin (small pool) connected to the Roman villa, equipped with an integrated water management system.

He further highlighted the diversity of mosaic techniques found at the site, including Opus Tessellatum and Opus Sectile, reflecting the richness and variety of artistic schools in Alexandria during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

In the same context, Hesham Hussein, Head of Lower Egypt Antiquities, stated that the discovery helps fill a significant archaeological gap in the southeastern sector of ancient Alexandria, an area that had not been sufficiently studied before.

He added that the new findings support and reassess historical maps of the city, particularly the works of Mahmoud Bey El-Falaki, which were among the earliest scientific attempts to reconstruct Alexandria’s urban layout using a methodology combining astronomical measurements, topographical studies, and historical analysis. The findings also confirm that the area remained within the city walls until the Byzantine period, before its importance declined due to urban planning changes.

The discoveries also include a distinguished collection of movable artifacts, such as marble statues of deities including Bacchus and Asclepius, in addition to a headless statue believed to represent Minerva.

Coins, oil lamps, pottery vessels, and fragments of stamped amphorae were also found, collectively reflecting the vibrant commercial and cultural activity that characterized ancient Alexandria and its extensive connections across the Mediterranean.

In this regard, Ibrahim Mostafa, head of the mission and director of the central Alexandria district, stated that excavation work continued for several months and yielded exceptional results. He confirmed that preliminary restoration work has already begun in preparation for transferring the artifacts to specialized laboratories.

He also noted that there are ongoing plans to display some of the most significant finds at the Graeco-Roman Museum, enhancing the visitor experience and highlighting the importance of this discovery, alongside continued excavation work at the site, which may reveal further findings in the near future.