Mural of Jesus and millennial churches surprise archaeologists in Egypt

Highlight of the excavation was the revelation of two churches of the beginning of the Copta period. The first is described as a large basilica, formed by a central hall and two side wings. The second has a rectangular plant and is surrounded by “seven outdoor columns”. The ministry detailed that “some of its internal walls were decorated with registration in Copta.”

Mural of Jesus Christ

Mural that shows Jesus Christ healing a sick, rare image for the time, is among finds. The piece was not photographed, possibly to ensure conservation.

The discovery sheds light on a fundamental phase in the history of the Kharga Oasis: the beginning of the Copta period in Egypt. It also reinforces the relevance of Egyptian Western oasis as centers of religious and social life at various times Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities

Research also revealed that Roman era buildings have been reused over time. “Most buildings revealed in previous excavations show that the region was used in several historical periods. Roman era buildings were identified reused at the beginning of the Copta period and, later, during Islamic time,” according to Dr. Soham Ismail, Director of Antiquities of Kharga and head of the mission.