Archaeologists in Egypt have made a significant discovery, unearthing a 1,700-year-old Christian city that dates back to the earliest centuries of the faith. The city, which includes a church and a deacon’s home, was found at the Ain al-Sabil archaeological site in the Dakhla Oasis of New Valley Governorate, approximately 185 miles west of Luxor.

Discovery Details

The discovery was announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on July 3. According to the ministry, the city is ‘complete’ and features a well-planned urban layout, with main streets running north to south intersected by east-west cross streets, creating open squares and plazas.

The city’s buildings were constructed of mudbrick and include a basilica church, watchtowers, a fortress, and houses with large halls and vaulted ceilings. One of the most notable structures is the home of Tisos, a church deacon, which dates to the second half of the fourth century A.D.

Archaeologists also identified the house of Tapibos, which is believed to have served as a house church before the city’s basilica was constructed. The site has yielded a variety of artifacts, including household pottery, oil lamps, and stone tools for grinding grain.

Significance of the Discovery

The discovery is significant not only because of the city’s age but also due to its well-preserved state. The city provides a unique glimpse into the lives of early Christians and their communities. Egypt, one of the centers of early Christianity, has been the site of several historic Christian discoveries in recent years.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.