Archaeologists working in Egypt’s Kharga Oasis have uncovered two Christian churches dating back more than 1,500 years, along with an entire ancient settlement and a rare mural portraying Jesus Christ.

According to Fox News, the recent discovery provides important insight into early Coptic Christianity and the cultural shift from pagan traditions in Egypt’s Western Desert during late antiquity.

The announcement came in late July from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which reported the findings as part of an excavation project in the remote Kharga Oasis. Located about 350 miles southwest of Cairo, the Kharga Oasis has been inhabited since ancient times due to its steady supply of underground water.

Mudbrick churches reveal early Coptic design

The two ancient churches found at the site are believed to be from the early Coptic period, a time when Christianity began to spread throughout Egypt. The larger of the two structures is a basilica-style church built using mudbrick and features a spacious central hall flanked by two side aisles.

In contrast, the smaller church has a rectangular layout and remnants of seven stone columns lining its exterior. Some of the interior walls are decorated with inscriptions in the Coptic language, common in religious texts and liturgy from that era.

The discovery of these churches adds to the historical importance of Kharga Oasis, which was already known to house Christian cemeteries and religious sites. The oasis lies near the necropolis of El-Bagawat, one of Egypt’s oldest and most prominent Christian burial grounds.

Ancient settlement gives glimpse of community life

Alongside the churches, archaeologists uncovered an entire settlement dating back approximately 1,600 years. Residential buildings made of mudbrick were preserved at the site, and some still feature traces of original plaster coating their walls.

Rooms were equipped with ovens and embedded clay jars, suggesting how residents stored food and managed household tasks. In the surrounding area, excavation teams located pottery fragments with inscriptions, stone and glass objects, and evidence of human burials.

These discoveries help paint a picture of daily life in the early Christian community that once inhabited the Kharga Oasis. The collection of residential spaces, storage tools, and religious buildings points to a vibrant, organized society.

Depiction of Jesus offers a unique historical insight

Among the most compelling finds at the site is a mural showing Jesus Christ healing a sick individual. This artwork stands out as an unusual representation from the period and offers a rare example of early Christian iconography in Egypt’s Western Desert.

Although the mural was described in detail by officials, no photographs of it have been made public. The likely reason is concern for its preservation, given the fragile nature of painted surfaces exposed during excavation.

The mural adds to scholarly understanding of regional religious expression during Egypt's Coptic period. It reflects the emergence of Christian traditions through imagery and spaces built specifically for worship and community support.

Transition from paganism to Christianity highlighted

Egyptian authorities noted that the Kharga region played an important role in the transition from older religions to Christianity. This shift is visible in the architecture, artifacts, and inscriptions uncovered at the site.

A translated statement from officials acknowledged the importance of the findings, saying they offer insight into “the beginnings of the Coptic period in Egypt” and underline the religious development in Western Oases during different time periods.

They also emphasized the broader cultural picture, stating that the discovery demonstrates “the tolerance and cultural and religious diversity that characterized Egyptian civilization.”

Kharga Oasis remains vital for historical inquiry

In recent years, the Kharga Oasis has increasingly become a focal point for archaeologists studying early Christianity in North Africa. Its continuous occupation across centuries makes it an ideal location for observing how social and religious practices evolved.

Excavation of the churches and settlement adds new layers to the understanding of Egypt’s development during late antiquity. The presence of both ornate religious structures and basic residential infrastructure points to a thriving, complex community.

As more of the settlement is explored and analyzed, researchers hope to uncover additional evidence that further explains how religious life integrated with daily survival in one of Egypt’s remote desert regions.