The ancient Greco-Roman ruins at Darazya, located near El Alamein on Egypt’s northern coast, are revealing new insights into the region’s long and multifaceted history. Situated around 100 km west of Alexandria, Darazya lies along the Arab Gulf and holds a unique position in the intersection of ancient civilizations and modern history. Recent archaeological investigations, primarily led by the Faculty of Architecture at Wrocław University of Science and Technology and the Center for Comparative Studies of Civilizations at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, have uncovered crucial information about the cultural and historical significance of this site. These studies, which began in earnest in 2021, focus on Darazya’s role as a Greco-Roman settlement, shedding light on the functioning, planning, and culture of small towns that merged various ancient traditions.
The site’s rich historical layers reflect the evolution of this region, where ancient Greco-Roman remnants stand alongside the ruins of World War II military structures from the pivotal Battles of El Alamein. The combination of these two epochs – the ancient world and the Second World War – offers a unique perspective on how civilizations and military forces have shaped the area over millennia. Early explorers and travelers in the 19th and 20th centuries had documented the ruins, but it is only with recent, more sophisticated studies that the full breadth of the region’s significance is beginning to emerge.
A comprehensive study titled Darazya at El Alamein: A Greco-Roman Settlement Against the Backdrop of an Important Second World War Battle, published in the journal Antiquity, explores the region’s civilizational importance. The team focused on understanding how the settlement was planned and functioned, emphasizing the convergence of different cultural traditions. The investigation incorporates a range of methods, including architectural studies, stratigraphy, and the use of original materials for reconstruction, to piece together the ancient structures and their function.
Ancient Settlement and Architecture
The Darazya site contains the remains of a vibrant Greco-Roman settlement, offering crucial insights into the architectural and domestic life of the time. Among the most prominent features of the site are residential houses and a number of above-ground structures, which were crucial to understanding the social and economic dynamics of the settlement. Among these structures, two large underground cisterns stand out. Carved into the limestone bedrock, these cisterns are about five meters high and supported by pillars, reflecting the inhabitants’ advanced water management systems designed to thrive in the semi-arid climate of the region.
These cisterns were essential for the settlement’s long-term sustainability, providing vital water storage in an area where rainfall is scarce. The presence of such infrastructure points to a well-organized society capable of adapting to the challenges of its environment. This water storage capability was likely key to the survival and growth of the settlement, especially in the harsh desert climate of Egypt’s northern coast.
The residential houses at Darazya follow the classical Greco-Roman model, with several Greek oikos-type houses being identified at the site. These homes were typically centered around a main reception hall that opened onto a courtyard, with smaller rooms surrounding it. The walls of these houses were constructed using rubble masonry bonded with clay and plastered with lime mortar. In some cases, portions of limestone ashlar walls have survived, showcasing the durability of the construction methods employed by the settlers.
Artifacts and Cultural Exchange
The archaeological team also discovered a wealth of pottery fragments at the site, providing further evidence of Darazya’s engagement in broader trade networks. Among the findings were imported pareti sottili bowls, a type of thin-walled pottery known for its light and delicate construction, reflecting the settlement’s connections to distant regions. The presence of these artifacts suggests that Darazya was part of extensive commercial exchanges with other Mediterranean cultures, further solidifying its position as a key hub during the Greco-Roman period.
Another notable discovery was the presence of Cypriot sigillata pottery, a fine, red-glossed ware typically produced from the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE. This high-quality pottery is characterized by its craftsmanship and was commonly traded across the Mediterranean. The presence of Cypriot sigillata at Darazya offers concrete evidence of the settlement’s active participation in Mediterranean trade networks and provides valuable clues about the cultural influences that shaped the region.
In addition to everyday household items, the team also found fragments of small, decorated stone altars and cornices, which suggest that domestic worship practices were important in the lives of the residents. During the Hellenistic period, it was common for families to maintain a household deity, and these altars were often placed within the home. This reflects the deeply religious nature of Greco-Roman society, where domestic shrines were integral to the daily lives of individuals and families.
World War II Relics and the Battle of El Alamein
In stark contrast to the ancient ruins of Darazya are the remnants of military structures from the Second World War, specifically from the British defenses during the Battles of El Alamein in 1941–1942. These battles were pivotal in the North African Campaign, as British forces under General Bernard Montgomery decisively halted the Axis advance towards Egypt. The British victory at El Alamein marked a turning point in the war, shifting the momentum in favor of the Allies.
The military structures at Darazya, including a complex of 17 underground shelters linked by corridors, were likely built to house British troops and serve as defensive positions during the battles. The shelters provide a glimpse into the military strategies employed during the defense of Egypt, offering insights into the hardships faced by soldiers as they prepared for one of the most intense battles of the war. These structures, which were constructed using a range of materials and techniques, reflect the ingenuity and resilience of the military engineers who designed them.
The juxtaposition of ancient Greco-Roman settlements with 20th-century wartime structures highlights the complex and layered history of the region, where two very different chapters in history unfold side by side. This convergence of ancient and modern ruins offers a unique opportunity for researchers and visitors alike to understand the deep historical significance of Darazya and the surrounding area.
Preservation and Future Prospects
Given the importance of Darazya’s historical and archaeological value, efforts are underway to preserve and restore the site. Once conservation work is completed, Darazya is expected to become a significant regional tourist attraction. The site’s rich history, spanning from the Greco-Roman period to the Second World War, provides visitors with a rare opportunity to explore the diverse layers of Egypt’s northern coast. In addition to its archaeological value, Darazya offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient inhabitants of the region, as well as the military history of World War II, making it an invaluable site for both historians and tourists.