Photos: Roman villa, ancient bath unearthed in new Alexandria excavation

ALEXANDRIA – 2 May 2026: A national rescue excavation mission in Alexandria’s Muharram Bek district has unearthed a striking assemblage of architectural remains and portable artifacts, offering fresh insight into the city’s long and layered urban evolution.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy described the finds as a valuable addition to Alexandria’s archaeological record.

They reflect the city’s historical and cultural significance as one of the most prominent cultural centers of the ancient world, which embodies a layered legacy of civilizational richness and cultural diversity accumulated across the ages, he added.

 

Among the most notable discoveries is a circular public bath of the Tholoi type dating to the late Ptolemaic period, alongside the remains of a Roman residential villa featuring richly decorated mosaic floors.

Officials said the discovery helps bridge a long-standing archaeological gap in the southeastern sector of ancient Alexandria, an area that has remained relatively underexplored despite its historical significance.

 

The excavation also yielded an impressive group of movable artifacts, including marble statues of deities such as Bacchus and Asclepius, as well as a headless statue believed to depict Minerva.

 

A collection of coins, lamps, pottery vessels, and stamped amphora fragments further reflects the city’s vibrant economic life and its far-reaching commercial and cultural networks across the Mediterranean world.

 

Excavation director Ibrahim Mostafa said the work has continued for several months, producing exceptional results.

He noted that preliminary conservation efforts are already underway ahead of transferring the artifacts to specialized laboratories.

 

Discussions are in progress to exhibit key pieces at the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria, Mostafa added.

He stated that excavation activities at the site will continue with the prospect of additional discoveries still emerging from beneath the city’s historic layers.