New discoveries found under demolished historic palace in Egypt
After the demolition of the 120-year-old Tawfic Pasha Andraos Palace in Luxor, which drew much criticism, several Byzantine artifacts, including oil lamps, were recently discovered at the site of the palace.
CAIRO — An Egyptian archaeological mission working at the site of the Tawfiq Pasha Andraos Palace — which was recently torn down — has unveiled a number of amphorae and lamps dating from the Byzantine era.
Mustafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said on Oct. 17 that this discovery is one of a series in the city of Luxor in southern Egypt. He said that excavations are being completed on the site.
In August, Egyptian authorities demolished the 120-year-old Tawfiq Pasha Andraos Palace, located near the Luxor Temple and overlooking the Nile River, based on a decision by the Ministry of Antiquities that archeological sites were under it.
The palace hosted Saad Zaghloul, leader of the 1919 revolution, after English authorities issued a restriction on his movement. It contained many rare artifacts and a gold-plated car, among other valuables. In 2013, the bodies of Andraos' two daughters, who were killed under mysterious circumstances, were found inside the palace.
