Excavators unearth remains of church from Byzantine age in Marsa Matruh
Egypt, History, 8/2/2001

In the west coastal city of Marsa Matruh a group of Egyptian excavators have unearthed the remains of a church that dates back to the fourth and fifth centuries AD of the Byzantine age.

The find made at AL Sawaqi area, east of Rommel beach ascertains the fact that the Egyptian Copts had run away to the north coast to flee the oppression of the Romans, Archaeologist Osama Sallam said 12 chambers of different areas and a hall were found.

He noted that some of the walls were coated with a gypsum layer ornamented with dark red paintings. The largest of the rooms, said Sallam includes a sun-dried brick alter 170 cm tall, 85 cm wide and 15 cm high.

He said that among the find is a collection of pottery shard bearing inscriptions of the thorn wreath which the Jews put on Christ's forehead.

According to Adel AL Said Director of the archaeological area rock masses were found to the northern side of the building as well as a small quarry used for establishing the building. He said that restoration of the church is currently maintained.

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