Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a well-preserved Byzantine-era settlement in the Dakhla Oasis, revealing new details about ancient urban life and religious practices.

The fourth-century city contained residential buildings, a basilica-style church, defensive structures, coins, pottery, tools, and written fragments describing daily activities and trade.

Researchers also discovered the house of Tisous, believed to have been an early house church before the basilica was built.

Separately, 18 ancient tombs were found at the Marina el-Alamein site near Alexandria, including rock-cut and limestone tombs with artifacts and a granite sarcophagus, The Guardian has reported.

The discoveries provide new insight into Egypt’s Byzantine and Greco-Roman history, including ancient beliefs and economic activity.