See it: Villa containing ruins from Roman Empire uncovered in Egypt
Archaeologists recently discovered the remains of a Roman residential villa with styles dating back to the Ptolemaic, Roman and Byzantine eras.
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ALEXANDRIA, Egypt – History lovers are rejoicing after archeologists recently uncovered Roman artifacts in Alexandria, Egypt.
Archaeologists working with the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt have recently discovered the remains of a Roman residential villa with styles dating back to the Ptolemaic, Roman and Byzantine eras, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Through the villa's style and architecture, it reflects the advanced luxury and urban planning the Romans were accustomed to during those periods, not much different from modern-day home design.
According to Professor Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, the residence was equipped with mosaic floors and a bathing basin (small pool) integrated with a water management system.
Archeologists uncover bathing basins within a Roman villa in Egypt. (The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
A photo by officials shows a large structure, essentially a bathtub with small steps to enter.
Officials also uncovered coins, lamps, pottery and fragments of sealed amphorae, which are used to help preserve food and liquid.
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Other interesting findings include marble statues, including a headless figure believed to be the goddess Minerva, officials said.
A Roman villa is uncovered by archeologists in Egypt. (The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)
Why was the Roman Empire in Egypt?
Egypt was under rule for many years, officially beginning with Emperor Octavian, later called Augustus.
His rule began following the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C., when Augustus defeated the former Roman General and traitor Mark Antony and Queen Cleopatra, according to History.com.
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Antony was originally given control of the eastern province of the Roman Empire (Egypt) after the assassination of Julius Caesar, and civil war broke out, eventually resulting in the Second Triumvirate, which divided the empire's strongest administrations into three for an alliance.
The Battle of Actium, from 'The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra', Brussels, circa 1680. Woven at the workshop of Willem van Leefdael, after a design by Justus van Egmont. Detail from a larger artwork. Artist Willem van Leefdael. (Photo by Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images) (Heritage Art/Heritage Images / Getty Images)
Antony, during his power, would eventually be seduced by Cleopatra, leading to his favor over the empire and technical violation of Roman law.
On top of this and other factors, there were additional issues regarding peace and public unrest that could lead the empire to fall into enemy hands.
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Eventually, war was declared between Augustus and Cleopatra, with the Roman Empire claiming victory in nearly a year.
Before their final defeat, Cleopatra and Antony took their own lives.
'Maecenas presenting the Arts to Augustus', 1743. Tiepolo, Giambattista (1696-1770). Found in the collection of the State Hermitage, St. Petersburg. (Fine Art Images/Heritage Images / Getty Images)
For almost a decade after this battle, Egypt was garrisoned by Roman legions until conditions stabilized, according to The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Control of Egypt was essential to the conquest of power, as it was the largest grain producer and the main supplier to the city of Rome.
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This, amongst many other factors, is a primary reason for Rome's influence in Egypt and why archaeologists continue to search for more evidence of this prominent time in human history.