Archaeologists in Egypt have unearthed a late Ptolemaic circular public bath and a Roman residential villa with multi-style mosaic floors in Alexandria's Moharam Bek area. The Supreme Council of Antiquities rescue excavation reveals a complete cultural sequence from Ptolemaic to Roman and Byzantine periods. The site demonstrates advanced urban planning in ancient Alexandria.
Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery in central Alexandria's Moharam Bek area, where a Supreme Council of Antiquities rescue mission uncovered a 'Tholoi'-style late Ptolemaic circular bath and a Roman villa.
Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the finds highlight continuous settlement and advanced urban planning. Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, noted the villa's small swimming pool and integrated water management system, with mosaic floors using Opus Tessellatum and Opus Sectile techniques.
Excavators recovered marble statues of deities Bacchus and Asclepius, a headless statue believed to depict Minerva, coins, oil lamps, pottery, and stamped amphora fragments indicating Mediterranean trade.
Hisham Hussein, Head of the Central Administration for Lower Egypt Antiquities, stated the results fill an archaeological gap in Alexandria's southeastern sector and support re-evaluating Mahmoud Bey El Falaki's maps. Minister Sherif Fathy said the discovery redraws ancient Alexandria's urban map and underscores heritage preservation amid development.
The excavation, led by Ibrahim Mostafa over several months, has begun initial restoration, with plans to display key pieces at the Graeco-Roman Museum while work continues.