The Enduring Mystery of the Lost City of Zerzura and the 20th Century Race to Find its Treasures

The vast expanse of the African desert has long been a source of intrigue and adventure. Ancient historians told legends of curious tribes amidst the merciless landscape and formidable armies swallowed by the sands. As riveting as these legends may be, none are so captivating as the enigmatic lost city of Zerzura. Known as the “Oasis of Little Birds,” its inhabitants were enchanting, and its treasure, abounding. For centuries, stories had been told of precarious travelers stumbling upon it, but searching the inhospitable desert for its existence would only prove futile. During the early 20th century, as technological advancements brought a renewed interest in the unknown, Zerzura seemed to be the topic on every explorer, archaeologist, and scholar’s tongue. One by one, they took to the sands, in hopes to finally solve this mystery.  

In 1481, a disheveled man walked into Benghazi intent on speaking with the emir. Once in his presence, the man, who called himself Hamid Keila, told the emir an extraordinary tale. Some months prior, Keila was traveling with a group through the desert headed for the oases of Dakhla and Khaga, west of the Nile River. Their journey came to a sudden halt as a violent sandstorm erupted. Blinded and unable to breathe, the men slowly began to succumb to the sands. Fortunately, Keila found refuge beneath a dead camel, saving himself from certain death. After the sands subsided, Kiela emerged to find the landscape virtually unrecognizable, and with no other choice, he walked on. 

Wandering through endless dunes, Keila quickly ran out of resources, growing tired and thirsty. Feeling utterly alone and defeated, he collapsed, ready to face whatever was in store for him. However, in another twist of fate, several men in the distance saw Keila and rushed to his rescue. They helped the poor man and guided him to safety. Though weakened and dazed, Keila noticed these oddly tall men were fair-skinned with striking blue eyes. They carried long swords that ran straight, unlike the curved scimitars commonly used. Eventually, they came to an opening between two mountains, where an ornate bird stood atop an elaborate gate. 

The Gilf Kebir Plateau in the westerns deserts of Egypt. (Roland Unger / CC BY-SA 3.0) 

Beyond the gate, Keila was astonished at what he saw: lush greenery, refreshing pools, springs, and palm trees towering over luxurious homes that glistened white against the blistering sun. Children played; women and girls bathed in crystal clear waters; this place was flourishing. The people were incredibly kind, treating Keila as one of their own. Their language was unfamiliar to him; it was similar to the Arabic he spoke, but different from any dialect he had ever heard. Their customs were unfamiliar to him as well – the women did not wear Muslim veils and there were no prayers heard or mosques seen. Keila stayed for a little while, enjoying this repose. By his admission, he was free to go at any time; still, he impulsively fled one evening under the cover of darkness.  

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By Jessica Nadeau