Archaeologists working at the ancient port of Aydhab in Egypt’s Halaib region have uncovered massive water reservoirs, service buildings, and imported artifacts that reveal the scale of trade and pilgrimage activity once centered on the Red Sea port during the Islamic era.
The excavation was carried out by an Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities at the site along Egypt’s southeastern Red Sea coast. Researchers said the discovery offers new insight into the infrastructure that supported merchants, sailors, and pilgrims traveling through one of the region’s most important medieval ports.
Officials say discovery highlights Egypt’s historic trade role
Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, said the discovery highlights the advanced development of ancient Egyptian ports and the infrastructure built to support trade and pilgrimage routes. He added that the find reinforces Egypt’s historical role as a major center of commerce and civilization across the region.
Fathy also stressed the ministry’s continued focus on archaeological excavations in remote and border areas due to their historical and cultural significance.
Dr. Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the discovery reveals a key part of the service network that once supported the port. He explained that the water cisterns played an essential role in sustaining maritime trade while supplying water to pilgrims traveling to the holy lands.
Massive cistern uncovered at the site
Excavation work led by archaeologist Mohamed Aboul Wafa uncovered a massive main cistern measuring about 15.10 meters (49.5 feet) long, 3.15 meters (10.3 feet) wide, and nearly 3 meters (9.8 feet) high, according to Dr. Diaa Zahran, head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector.
Researchers said builders constructed the cistern using sandstone and local coral stones before coating the interior with white lime plaster to prevent leakage and preserve water supplies. Archaeologists also uncovered several additional cisterns on the southern side of the site.
Surveys in nearby areas revealed the remains of residential structures, watchtowers, and service facilities. Researchers said the findings point to a fully integrated system that managed the port and served merchants and pilgrims over many centuries.
Imported artifacts reveal wide trade connections
The mission also uncovered pottery fragments dating to the Fatimid period, including pieces coated with green glaze, along with shards of imported Chinese porcelain. Archaeologists said the discoveries reflect the prosperity of trade activity at Aydhab and its maritime connections with India, Yemen, and East Africa.
Aydhab was one of the most important ports on the Red Sea during the medieval Islamic period. The port served as a major transit point for pilgrims traveling from Egypt and the Maghreb to Mecca, while also functioning as a major center of maritime trade linking the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean world.
Researchers believe the latest discoveries will improve understanding of how the port operated and how communities living in the harsh coastal environment managed water resources and long-distance trade.
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