Egyptian archaeologists uncover 5th-century Coptic monastic site in Beheira area

Egyptian archaeologists recently uncovered the ruins of a Christian monastic site dating from the 5th century (about 400 years after the time of Jesus Christ).

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities wrote in a translated statement on March 23 that a building was recently found in the Qallaya area in Egypt’s Beheira Governorate.

The statement said the building, which was probably a guesthouse used to host visitors, was a remnant from the “early periods of Coptic monasticism.”

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Previous buildings were also found in the area, and the newly discovered structure has 13 multi-purpose rooms used for “hospitality and education” in addition to service facilities such as kitchens and storage areas, officials said.

The region is considered one of the important early monastic centers of Egypt.

Coptic monasticism was one of the earliest forms of organized Christian monasticism and formed the basis of traditions that survive to the present day.

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Pictures from the site show ancient structures in extraordinary condition, with walls and other architectural features still intact.

“Excavations also revealed various architectural elements added to the building in later historical stages.”

The tourism ministry also shared photos of artworks recently found in the area; These include paintings and an ancient Greek inscription.

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Authorities believe the Greek inscription may read “Abba Kir, son of Shenouda” and suggest it is a tombstone.

“The excavations also revealed various architectural elements added to the building at later historical stages, reflecting the evolution of the building’s use in successive periods,” the statement said.

An early Greek inscription discovered at the site may refer to “Abba Kir, son of Shenouda,” possibly marking a tombstone. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

Authorities also noted that in addition to the paintings, a “complete marble column” was found along with “numerous pottery shards.”

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“Some of these have floral and geometric decorations, while others have Coptic letters. … Some are undecorated,” the statement said.

According to the translated publication, the secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Ph.D. Hisham El-Leithy said the decorations and murals are “among the most important sources for studying early Coptic art in Egypt.”

The discovery sheds light on the transition from individual monastic cells to more communal living arrangements, the researchers said. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

The discovery also highlights “the development of ascetic, simple monastic architecture that showed a functional progression from individual cells to semi-social residences,” the statement said.

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Archaeologists also found bird and animal bones as well as “a few oyster shells” in one of the rooms; These all pointed to daily dietary practices.

Excavations in Egypt continue to uncover many impressive remains of ancient Christianity, and the Qallaya discovery is one of many recent finds.

“Some of these [artistic pieces] “It bears floral and geometric decorations,” an official said. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)

In January, archaeologists uncovered another ancient Christian monastery complex In the village of Al-Duwair, located in Sohag Governorate.

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In the Kharga Oasis, excavators found two 1,500-year-old churches and an ancient mural of Jesus.