Archaeologists uncover rare Jesus mural in Egypt’s desert
Early Christian Archaeology in Egypt’s Western Desert
DATE: July 24, 2025
SUBJECT: Early Coptic settlement, churches, and a mural of Christ healing the sick
LOCATION: Ain al-Kharab, Kharga Oasis, New Valley Governorate, Egypt
Archaeologists working in Egypt’s Western Desert have uncovered remarkable evidence of early Christianity. At Kharga Oasis—about 350 miles southwest of Cairo—two churches more than 1,500 years old were revealed, part of an ancient settlement sustained by underground water sources.
The discovery, announced in late July by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, included mudbrick houses, ovens, clay storage jars, inscribed pottery shards, vessels, glass and stone artifacts, as well as several burials. Photographs released by officials show the mudbrick ruins of the settlement itself.
The highlight of the excavation was the pair of Coptic-era churches. One was a large basilica built of mudbrick, with traces of a spacious hall and two aisles. The second, smaller structure had a rectangular design, encircled “by the remains of seven external columns.” According to the ministry, “some of its inner walls were decorated with Coptic inscriptions.” In addition, “to the west of this church, remains of service buildings were also found.”
Another significant find was a rare mural depicting Jesus Christ healing a sick person. Although no images of this mural were released—likely for conservation purposes—its discovery stands out as a vivid glimpse into early Christian devotion.
Officials emphasized that the Kharga Oasis “witnessed the transition from paganism to Christianity.” As the translated press release concluded, “[This discovery] sheds light on a significant era in the history of the Kharga Oasis, namely the beginnings of the Coptic period in Egypt. [It also reflects] the importance of Egypt’s Western Oases as centers of religious and social life in different eras.”
This excavation is worth watching closely. The Western Desert still has a remarkable amount to tell us about the growth of early Christianity in Egypt, and finds like these help put real places, buildings, and communities behind a story that can otherwise feel very distant.
For more archaeological discoveries and Christian-heritage reporting from across Egypt, visit our Egypt News collection.
Research Sources and Further Reading
- Samir, Farah. “Early Coptic-Era City Unearthed in Egypt’s Western Desert.” Egyptian Streets, July 25, 2025. Reports that Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery on July 24, 2025. Report.
- El-Aref, Nevine. “An Early Coptic City Unveiled in Egypt’s Western Desert.” Ahram Online, July 25, 2025. Report.
- Margolis, Andrea. “Archaeologists Find 1,600-Year-Old Churches and Mural of Jesus in Egyptian Desert Settlement.” Fox News, August 31, 2025. Later report.
