Ancient Christian monastery complex reveals lives of Byzantine monks before Arab conquest

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Anancient Christian monastic complexwas recently uncovered in Egypt — shedding new light on monastic life in Upper Egypt during the Byzantine era.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the find Jan.6.

In a statement translated from Arabic to English, the ministry said the complex was found at the Al-Qarya archaeological site, in the village of Al-Duwair in the Sohag Governorate.

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At the site, archaeologists found the remains of “a fully integrated residential complex for monks dating back to the Byzantine period,” the statement said.

“The discovery was made during ongoing excavation work at the site and includes the remains of buildings constructed of mudbrick.”

Split image of Byzantine monk, remnants of church

An early Christian icon representing Byzantine-era monasticism is shown at left, while the ruins of a newly uncovered Christian monastery complex in Egypt’s Sohag Governorate are pictured at right.(Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

In Egypt, the Byzantine era lasted from roughly the 4th century A.D.until 641 A.D., the beginning of the Arab conquest.

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Archaeologists also uncovered a mudbrick building extending from west to east, measuring roughly 26 by 23 feet to 46 by 26 feet, officials said.

“These structures include rectangular halls, some containing what appears to be an eastern niche or apse used for worship, as well as a number of small rooms with vaulted ceilings, likely used as cells and spaces formonks’ devotion,” the ministry said.

The discovery provides “new information… on monastic life in Upper Egypt during the Byzantine era.”

The buildings were used for a variety of purposes,from mealtimesto “industrial activities” that kept the site running.

Archaeologists uncovered mudbrick structures believed to be part of a fully integrated residential complex for monks.(Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

A second mudbrick building likely served asthe main churchof the complex, officials said, and archaeologists identified three distinct areas: the nave, the choir and the sanctuary.

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“Remains of mudbrick pillars were found in the nave, indicating it was covered by a central dome, while the sanctuary is centrally located on the eastern side in a semicircular form, flanked by two side chambers,” the statement said.

Artifacts included amphorae with unknown inscriptions, ostraca with Coptic inscriptions, limestone panels and “daily-life tools.”