An Egyptian archaeological mission has made a spectacular discovery in the Muharram Bek district of central Alexandria, unearthing a continuous sequence of settlement layers dating from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The find provides remarkable new insights into the urban evolution of the city right after its establishment by Alexander the Great in 331 BC.
The Supreme Council of Antiquities team discovered an array of significant architectural remains, including a circular public bathhouse from the late Ptolemaic period and the ruins of a wealthy Roman-era residential villa. The excavations were initiated as a salvage operation linked to local development projects, balancing the need for modern infrastructure with archaeological preservation.
The circular public bathhouse uncovered in Alexandria, Egypt. (Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities)
Echoes of Classical Antiquity
Among the most notable structures uncovered is a circular public bathhouse, known as a tholos (Greek for "dome"). Public baths in this period served daily hygiene needs and were sometimes linked to health treatments. The full layout is still under study, but early evidence suggests more connected rooms remain underground.
Part of the public bathhouse uncovered in Alexandria, Egypt. (Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities)
Nearby, archaeologists uncovered a Roman residential villa that appears to have belonged to a wealthy owner. The villa features intricate mosaic floors utilizing both Opus Tessellatum and Opus Sectile techniques, demonstrating the advanced craftsmanship present in Alexandria’s art schools during classical antiquity. The residential architecture also includes sophisticated water management systems, with a small pool connected to a comprehensive drainage and water supply network.
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Surviving fragments of intricate mosaic flooring hint at the former grandeur of a ruined classical villa. (Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
Gods, Trade, and Urban Evolution
Alongside the architectural foundations, archaeologists recovered a diverse collection of artifacts closely tied to the city’s Greco-Roman heritage. The finds include exquisite marble statues depicting deities such as Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, and Bacchus (Dionysus). A headless statue, believed to represent the goddess Athena or her Roman equivalent Minerva, was also discovered.
The presence of Asclepius has led researchers to consider whether parts of the area later served therapeutic or healing functions. Additionally, the discovery of coins, pottery, and sealed amphorae—used for transporting wine and olive oil—shows that Alexandria possessed thriving maritime trade networks connecting the city with the broader Mediterranean world.
The findings are prompting a reevaluation of Alexandria’s historical topography. Dr. Hisham Hussein, head of the Central Department for Maritime Antiquities, stated that the excavation fills a critical gap in the city’s southeastern sector. The results refine the 19th-century maps created by astronomer Mahmoud Bey El-Falaki, who pioneered the urban mapping of ancient Alexandria using topographical measurements.
The Muharram Bek site remained within the ancient city walls until the Byzantine era, after which shifting urban layouts led to a decline in its prominence. Initial restoration work on the artifacts has already begun, and officials are evaluating the most significant pieces for potential display at the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria.
Top image: Some of the recent findings in Alexandria. Source: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
By Gary Manners
References
Kampouris, N. 2026. Archaeologists in Alexandria Reveal Hidden Greek and Roman City Beneath Modern Streets. GreekReporter.com. Available at: https://greekreporter.com/2026/05/03/hellenistic-egypt-roman-villa-alexandria-egypt/
Radley, D. 2026. Ancient bathhouse and Roman villa with mosaics unearthed in Alexandria during rescue excavation. Archaeology Magazine. Available at: https://archaeologymag.com/2026/05/bathhouse-and-roman-villa-alexandria/
MOTA, 2026. An archaeological discovery in Muharram Bey sheds light on the development of urban life in the city of Alexandria throughout its various eras. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Available at: وزارة السياحة والآثار - كشف أثري بمحرم بك يُلقي الضوء على تطور الحياة الحضرية بمدينة الإسكندرية عبر عصورها المختلفة
