Rare Discoveries Found at Ancient Aydhab Port in Halaib

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the discovery of massive water reservoirs and cisterns, along with rare buildings and pottery fragments, at the archaeological site of the ancient port of Aydhab on Egypt's Red Sea coast in Halaib.

Aydhab, which was among the most prominent Red Sea ports during the Middle Ages, was a key station for pilgrims on their way from Egypt to Mecca. Among the new discoveries are a massive water reservoir measuring 15 meters in length, as well as the remains of residential buildings, watchtowers and other service facilities that would have been used to serve the port over the centuries.

The excavation also uncovered a collection of artefacts including pottery fragments dating back to Egypt's Fatimid era, as well as shards of imported Chinese porcelain. These finds reflect the port's role as a maritime hub connecting Egypt with Arabia, India and China in the previous millennium.