A groundbreaking archaeological discovery west of Alexandria is rewriting the history of one of the world’s most storied cities. Beneath the ruins of a Hellenistic settlement dating to the time of Alexander the Great, researchers have uncovered the remains of a much older Egyptian city—one that predates Alexander’s arrival by over a thousand years.
A Forgotten City Beneath the Figs
The excavation site, Kom el-Nugus, nestled between the Mediterranean coast and Lake Mariout, was once better known for its fig orchards than any archaeological significance. That perception has now changed dramatically.
Archaeologists working in the area have unearthed a 3,500-year-old settlement dating back to Egypt’s New Kingdom era—the period that saw the reigns of legendary pharaohs like Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses II. The later Greek city appears to have been constructed directly atop these older ruins, likely during the resurgence of Egyptian rule following the retreat of the Persian Empire.
A Royal Connection in a Wine Jar
One of the most striking discoveries is an amphora inscribed with the name Meritaten, the daughter of Pharaoh Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti. Dated to the 18th Dynasty (1550–1292 BCE), the jar not only confirms a royal connection but also points to a key local industry: winemaking.
Nearby finds, including ancient grape presses, suggest the site may have produced wine destined for the royal court. The presence of Meritaten’s name also revives interest in her father, Akhenaten—the so-called “heretic pharaoh” who famously introduced monotheism to Egypt. Following his controversial reign, his successors attempted to erase his legacy; many of his monuments were destroyed, and even his burial remains a mystery.
A Street Through the Centuries
The site also reveals evidence of continued occupation beyond the 18th Dynasty. Artifacts from the Ramesside period—including small shrines, a stela inscribed with the royal cartouches of Seti II, and a set of miniature ceramic bowls—point to activity during the 19th and 20th Dynasties.
Perhaps most intriguing is the discovery of a paved street flanked by mudbrick buildings and equipped with a drainage system—an early form of urban planning meant to protect structures from water damage. The street had been rebuilt multiple times, suggesting long-term or recurring use. Researchers believe the settlement may have served as a seasonal or strategic military post.
Rewriting Alexandria’s Origins
This remarkable discovery adds a rich new chapter to the story of Alexandria, revealing that life in the region flourished long before the rise of the Hellenistic world. It’s a reminder that beneath the marble cities of ancient empires lie even older layers of civilization—each with its own story to tell.
