Egypt has once again opened a new window into its ancient past. A recent excavation in the country’s Western Desert has revealed Ain el-Kharab — a forgotten city that captures the transitional heartbeat of ancient Egyptian society as it shifted from paganism to Christianity.
🔍 The Discovery
Led by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, the archaeological mission focused on the Islamic and Coptic antiquities zone in Kharga Oasis, New Valley. What they found was astonishing: a fully developed residential city that dates back to the late Roman and early Christian periods.
The discovery included mudbrick homes with ovens and plastered walls, storage facilities, human remains, and religious artifacts. Among them, a striking wall painting of Jesus healing the sick — powerful evidence of the community’s Christian faith.
🕍 Churches That Anchored a Community
Two churches were uncovered in the excavation. The first, a large basilica-style church, included side aisles and service rooms. The second was a more modest rectangular church with seven surrounding columns and walls inscribed with Coptic letters — revealing the spiritual depth of its inhabitants.
Dr. Seham Ismail, head of the mission, explained that these churches were likely spiritual and communal hubs, serving a population navigating significant cultural and religious transformation.
🧱 Daily Life in the Oasis
Artifacts recovered include pottery, ostraca (inscribed pottery shards), glassware, and tools — all helping reconstruct the rhythms of daily life in Ain el-Kharab. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, General Secretary of the Antiquities Council, noted that the site provides an intimate glimpse into how this remote desert community adapted to sweeping religious change.
🌍 A Message of Coexistence
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, praised the excavation:
“Makings such as this help us understand how well Egypt transitioned from paganism to Christianity… showing that culture tolerates and coexists.”
This find is not just about stones and sand. It’s about Egypt asserting its place in global cultural dialogue, illuminating the delicate balance between faith, history, and identity.