from Christian Edwards, CNN January 27, 2023
In Egypt, the Nile River runs almost 900 miles between Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea. Along that length is the section between Aswan and Luxor. The ancient treasures scattered along its river banks include some of the most intriguing structures built in ancient times.
Archaeologists working in the southern Egyptian city of Luxor have uncovered a complete 1,800-year-old Roman city.
Luxor served as the capital of ancient Egypt at the height of its military, political and artistic prowess between 3,000 and 3,500 years ago. The Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, says the city dated back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, and describes it as “the oldest and most important city found on the eastern bank of Luxor.”
The excavations, which began in September, also uncovered a hoard of tools, pots and bronze and copper Roman coins.
They also uncovered towers that served as nests in which to raise carrier pigeons. The birds were used to transport messages to other parts of the Roman Empire. Luxor is also the site of the famous ancient Egyptian city. Thebes,
Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiques Getty Images
Luxor is also home to the world-famous Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1979. The latest discovery of this ancient Roman city follows the uncovering of a number of tombs in January. The latest discoveries come ahead of the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo later this year.
AFP contributor via Getty Images
