Remains of ancient church unearthed in Matrouh
Egypt, History, 7/17/2001

The archaeological team in Matrouh unearthed the remains of a Church that dates back to the Byzantine era in the 4th and 5th centuries AD.

The find was discovered at Al-Sawagi Al-Bahariya, east of the Romel reach, overlooking the sea, which affirms that Christians had escaped for the northwestern coast as a result of Romans' persecution against them.

Archaeologist Osama Sallam, Matrouh Antiquities Inspector, said 12 chambers of different spaces and a hall linking entrances of these chambers were discovered.

He added that a group of pottery vessels with engravings and i inscriptions telling the story of the crown of thorns the Jews put on Jesus Christ's forehead was also discovered.

Adel Al-Said, Matrouh Antiquities Director, said pieces of rocks and a small quarry were also found in the northern part of the building.

Excavation works in the area are not over yet, he said, noting that restoration works for the church are underway by the Matrouh Antiquities Area's Restoration Department.

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