Research Sheds Light on Ancient Greek and Roman Houses at Darazya, Egypt

Researchers are uncovering new details about Egypt’s northern coast through ancient Greek and Roman ruins at Darazya, near El Alamein. These discoveries shed light on the region’s rich past.

Darazya, located about 100 kilometers west of Alexandria, holds the remains of ancient Greek and Roman buildings. Scattered among these ruins are also structures from World War II, remnants of the famous battles at El Alamein.

Travelers in the 1800s and early 1900s recorded observations of these sites. However, new studies that began in 2021 aim to explore their historical importance more deeply.

A recent study published in Antiquity journal explores the historical significance of this region. The research focuses on the small town life, layout, and cultural practices that blended various traditions.

Researchers analyzed the design and structure of ancient buildings using original materials and techniques. By studying artifacts, they uncovered the purposes of different rooms and buildings, shedding light on daily life in the settlement.

The research uncovered an ancient settlement with remarkable features, including residential houses, above-ground structures, and two large underground water cisterns.

Researchers also closely examined the outer walls of three buildings, each the size of a typical home, with some walls standing as high as 1.6 meters.

Greek-style oikos houses from the ancient Greek and Roman era

The study in Darazya provided detailed insights into several Greek-style oikos house ruins from the ancient Greek and Roman era. These homes featured main reception halls opening into courtyards, surrounded by smaller rooms.

The walls were built with rubble masonry held together by clay and covered with lime plaster. Some walls made of limestone blocks were still intact.

Illustration of ancient Greek house – Oikos (Oikia, plural): This is the typical term for a Greek house. Most houses in ancient Greece were oikia, designed to provide a comfortable living space for a family. Credit & Illustration: Atanos Laskov. pic.twitter.com/uJbEx0wcSY

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Two large underground cisterns, carved from limestone bedrock, were also discovered. Standing about five meters tall and supported by pillars, these cisterns stored enough water to sustain the settlement in the semi-arid climate.

Researchers identified imported thin-walled bowls known as pareti sottili among the pottery fragments. These items indicate the settlement’s participation in long-distance trade, showcasing access to high-quality goods from far-off regions.

The site revealed numerous high-quality Cypriot sigillata pottery fragments, known for its fine craftsmanship and glossy red finish. This type of pottery was produced between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE.

The pottery collection also included fragments of small, decorated stone altars and cornices. These findings suggest that domestic worship was practiced in the settlement, with families often dedicating an altar in their homes to honor household deities, a common ancient Greek tradition.