The ancient ruins of Derhis (modern-day Darazya), located 100 kilometers west of Alexandria near the Gulf of the Arabs, represent a fascinating intersection of the classical world and 20th-century wartime remnants. This site, known since antiquity as Derhis and mentioned by authors such as Strabo and Ptolemy, stands out for its historical and archaeological significance.

Its relevance has been reaffirmed by recent investigations, which shed light not only on its Greco-Roman past but also on its role during World War II, specifically within the context of the Battle of El Alamein.

Since the 19th century, travelers and explorers such as Jean Raimond Pacho and Anthony De Cosson have noted the remnants of this region, including tombs and ruins associated with the city of Leukaspis, identified in the area now known as Marina el-Alamein. Similarly, neighboring settlements like Plinthine, Taposiris Magna, and Marea contribute to a rich panorama of cultural and economic interactions along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.

Darayza
Location of the Darazya site in the Mareotis region (top) and a site plan (bottom) with highlighted structures: H1–H3 houses; C1–C2 cisterns; S shelters from the Second World War. Credit: S. Popławski

Research conducted between 2021 and 2022 in Darazya has bridged a gap in the understanding of ancient settlements along the maritime and terrestrial routes between Alexandria and Cyrenaica. These excavations have revealed residential structures, underground cisterns, and World War II military shelters, shedding light on the site’s complex history.

Among the most notable discoveries are three houses labeled H1, H2, and H3. These structures, built with masonry and lime mortar, reflect architectural features characteristic of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Houses H1 and H3 exhibit an oikos layout, with central courtyards and rooms organized around main halls. Particularly, H1 shows evidence of domestic use, including decorated stone altars that suggest private cult practices.

House H2, located in the center of the site, appears to have served a different purpose, possibly administrative or communal, due to its more elaborate design and the presence of architectural fragments like in-situ columns.

Darayza
Remains of House H1 undergoing conservation. Credit: P. Zambrzycki

Preliminary investigations suggest that these buildings date to the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, supported by ceramic fragments, including high-quality imported pieces such as Cypriot sigillata.

The underground cisterns, C1 and C2, are another remarkable feature. Carved into limestone, these structures up to five meters high showcase advanced water storage and distribution systems essential for life in this semi-arid region. Their design, featuring central pillars and hydraulic mortar linings, demonstrates a high level of engineering expertise.

The site also contains underground shelters constructed by British forces between 1941 and 1942. This complex includes 17 shelters connected by corridors and protected entrances, reflecting the construction techniques employed during the Battle of El Alamein. These structures, made of limestone blocks and reinforced concrete coverings, enhance the site’s historical value.

cistern darayza
Another of the 1st-2nd century A.D. subterranean cisterns found in Darayza, Egypt. Credit: P. Zambrzycki & S. Popławski

The project has focused not only on archaeological research but also on site conservation. Thermographic studies and material analyses have distinguished the types of stone and mortar used, facilitating restoration interventions such as wall reinforcement, localized fillings, and partial reconstructions. These efforts aim not only to preserve the remains but also to make them more accessible and comprehensible to future visitors.

The 2021 and 2022 work seasons have confirmed Darazya’s potential as a tourist destination and an invaluable educational resource. Its preservation will enable the creation of routes connecting the ancient Mediterranean history with the events of World War II, offering a unique experience to explore the rich and diverse heritage of this region.

This interdisciplinary effort, supported by Egyptian authorities and the Polish-Egyptian Conservation Mission team, honors the memory of Rafał Czerner, the project’s founding director. His legacy lives on in the continued study and preservation of this exceptional archaeological site.

SOURCES

Czerner R, Bąkowska-Czerner G, Zambrzycki P, Grzegorek W, Popławski S. Darazya at El Alamein: a Greco-Roman settlement against the backdrop of an important Second World War battle. Antiquity. Published online 2024:1-8. doi:10.15184/aqy.2024.192

  • Share on:

Discover more from LBV Magazine English Edition

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Follow LBV Magazine on Google News