Archaeologists in Egypt have made a groundbreaking discovery of a complete residential city dating back to the Roman Empire era in Luxor. The team from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities found a variety of well-preserved structures, including residential buildings, workshops, and pigeon towers, as well as a range of artifacts such as pottery, grinding tools, bells, and Roman coins.
Located near Luxor Temple, a significant religious center built in ancient Egypt, the residential area is believed to have been in use during the second and third centuries A.D. when Egypt was a Roman province and emperors were often depicted as pharaohs. The discovery sheds new light on how the Romans lived and interacted with the local community in Luxor.
One unique feature of the discovery is the presence of pigeon towers, used for raising pigeons for food. The team believes that the Romans introduced the practice to Luxor, mimicking the natural cliff conditions in which the birds breed to create a suitable habitat.
The discovery has received praise from experts in the field, with Susanna McFadden, a professor of art history at the University of Hong Kong, calling it “exciting news.” She also raises the possibility of a connection between the residential area and a military camp that was active in the area during the reign of Roman emperor Diocletian.
This discovery offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the Romans in Luxor and provides valuable insights into the history of the region. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities plans to continue excavations in the area to uncover more information about this intriguing historical period.