The rescue excavation mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, working in the Muharram Bey area of central Alexandria, has unearthed an elaborate collection of archaeological and architectural elements that shed light on the evolution of urban life in Alexandria throughout its various historical periods.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, described this discovery as a significant contribution to the record of archaeological discoveries in Alexandria, emphasizing that it reflects the historical and cultural importance of the city as one of the most prominent cultural centers of the ancient world. He highlighted its unique status as one of the most important historical metropolises, due to its rich cultural heritage and diversity that developed over the ages.

He explained that the results of this discovery contribute to redrawing the urban map of ancient Alexandria. He also stated that rescue excavations linked to development projects, like the one that brought the villa to light, confirm the Egyptian efforts to protect and preserve archaeological heritage, thus achieving a balance between heritage preservation and supporting sustainable development plans. For his part, Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the excavation revealed a complete historical sequence that begins with the Ptolemaic period, passes through the Roman period, and reaches the Byzantine period, reflecting the continuous settlement of the site across successive historical periods.

He pointed out that among the most prominent discoveries was 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 with mosaic floors of various styles, both reflecting an advanced level of luxury and urban planning during those periods.

Professor Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, added that the site presents a comprehensive model of the development of residential and service architecture in ancient Alexandria, as the excavations uncovered sophisticated water facilities, including a bathing pool (small pool) connected to the Roman villa, equipped with an integrated water management system. He also pointed to the diversity of techniques used in the mosaic floors excavated, including the opus tessellatum and opus sectile styles, that reflect the richness and variety of artistic schools in Alexandria during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

In the same context, Dr. Hisham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration of Lower Egypt Antiquities, confirmed that this discovery contributes to filling an important archaeological gap in the southeastern sector of ancient Alexandria, an area that has not been adequately studied previously.

He explained that the new finds support and re-evaluate historical maps of the city, particularly the work of Mahmoud Bey al-Falaki, which is considered one of the earliest scientific attempts to reconstruct the urban plan of Alexandria using a methodology that combines astronomical measurements, topographical studies, and historical analysis. It also confirms that the area was within the urban boundaries of Alexandria until the Byzantine era, before its importance declined later due to changes in urban planning. He noted that the discoveries also included a distinguished collection of portable artifacts, among them marble statues of several deities such as Bacchus and Asclepius, as well as a headless statue believed to be of the goddess Minerva.

Coins, lamps, pottery vessels, and fragments of sealed amphorae were also unearthed, reflecting the flourishing commercial and cultural activity of ancient Alexandria and its extensive connections with the surrounding Mediterranean region.

In this context, Professor Ibrahim Mustafa, Head of the mission and Director of the Central District, stated that the excavations continued for several months and yielded exceptional results. He confirmed that the team has already begun initial restoration work on the discoveries in preparation for their transfer to specialized laboratories. He also indicated that the possibility of displaying the most prominent pieces at the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria is currently being considered. This would enhance the visitor experience and highlight the significance of this discovery, in addition to continuing excavations at the site, which may yield further discoveries in the coming period.