Ancient monastery dating to dawn of Christianity discovered in Egypt, officials say

An ancient monastery dating to the birth of Christianity was recently unearthed in the Egyptian desert, according to local officials.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced in late March that the monastery was located in Wadi El-Natrun in Beheira Governorate.

Wadi El-Natrun is considered “one of the most important centers for the emergence of monasticism in Egypt and the world,” according to officials, and the history of the monastery dates back to the fourth to sixth centuries AD.

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The adobe building measures approximately 21,528 square feet, with walls more than 3 feet thick and rooms reaching approximately 7 feet in height.

The site has an open courtyard surrounded by buildings. The buildings contained monks’ cells, bakeries, kitchens and storage areas.

Archaeologists also found human skeletal remains believed to belong to monks, as well as murals and architectural features.

“Architectural studies show the use of various roofing systems, including vaults and domes made of adobe,” officials said. he said.

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“The walls were covered with a layer of white plaster and decorated with murals featuring crosses, palm trees and various plant and geometric motifs.”

Excavators also unearthed “religious texts expressing mercy and forgiveness” as well as various inscriptions bearing the names of the monks who lived there.

Newly discovered monastery in Beheira Governorate provides insight into early monastic life in Egypt between the fourth and sixth centuries AD (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

“These contribute to the dating of the building and the documentation of the daily lives of its inhabitants,” the statement said.

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Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sharif Fathy said the find “represents a significant contribution to our understanding of the origins of monasticism in Egypt, which began on Egyptian soil and before spreading around the world.”

The buildings contained monks’ cells, bakeries, kitchens and storage areas.

Fathy also emphasized “the ministry’s commitment to integrating Coptic heritage sites into comprehensive tourism offerings to enrich the tourist experience and highlight Egypt’s rich heritage.”

Excavations have revealed evidence of early construction techniques, including domes and vaults made of adobe materials. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Mohamed Taman, head of the central administration of Antiquities of Lower Egypt and Sinai, said the discovery “adds a new dimension to understanding the layout of early monasteries, especially with the presence of internal burial areas reflecting monastic life.”

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The discovery came shortly after archaeologists uncovered a similar monastery complex in Beheira Governorate.

The Christian monastery site, which authorities announced on March 23, included a 13-room guesthouse as well as murals.

Fathy emphasized “the ministry’s commitment to integrating Coptic heritage sites into comprehensive tourism offerings to enrich the tourist experience and highlight Egypt’s rich heritage.” (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

In early January, Egyptian authorities announced the discovery of another monastery in the village of Al-Duwair in Sohag Governorate.

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