Roman residential town found close to Luxor Temple

The complex dates to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.

An Egyptian mission excavating close to Luxor Temple has uncovered a complete Roman residential town, which may have been an extension of ancient Thebes.

The remains of the newly discovered Roman town, shown with Luxor Temple in the background. Image: copyright of the Ministry for Tourism and Antiquities

The discovery was made on the site of the former Tawfiq Pasha Andraos Palace, which was demolished in 2021 (see AE 128).

The team uncovered a number of residential buildings and industrial workshops, as well as two towers for housing pigeons, which were used in Roman times for food and to carry messages.

Finds from the Roman city include coins, water bottles, and a stone mortar and pestle. Image: copyright of the Ministry for Tourism and Antiquities

Other finds included pottery, water bottles, grinding tools, and Roman coins. The complex dates to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.

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