Byzantine-era monastic compound unearthed in Upper Egypt

A Byzantine-era monastic complex has been discovered at the site of Al-Qarya bi-Al-Duweir in Upper Egypt. The foundations of several buildings made of mudbrick were unearthed, evidence of a self-sustaining residential community that sheds new light on early Christian monastic life in the region.

Details of the architectural remains point to a well-planned complex. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector, said the mission uncovered rectangular mudbrick buildings oriented west to east, with dimensions ranging from about 8 by 7 metres to 14 by 8 metres.

The structures include rectangular halls, some featuring apses or niches likely designated for worship, alongside small vaulted rooms believed to have served as monks’ cells and spaces for devotion.

The walls still preserve traces of plaster, with niches and wall recesses clearly visible, while the floors were finished with plaster layers. Some buildings also include southern courtyards with entrances, as well as the remains of small circular structures thought to have functioned as communal dining tables for the monks.

The largest building, also made of mudbrick, Is 14 by 10 meters and is believed to have been the monastery’s church. The space is divided into a nave, choir and sanctuary. The remains of mudbrick pillars in the center of the nave indicate the roof had a central dome. The sanctuary is semi-circular in design with two side chambers.

Archaeologists from the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) also discovered buildings that appear to have been used to support the practical needs of the community. Red brick and limestone basins coated with red plaster were found. These may have been water reservoirs or used for other industrial purposes.

Artifacts unearthed in the excavation are also connected to the quotidian practices of a fully-integrated community. There are a number of storage amphorae in excellent condition. Some of them have Coptic inscriptions written on the shoulders that haven’t been translated, but are probably labels — letters, numbers, or names — identifying the contents, maker or seller. The SCA archaeologists also found a collection of ostraca (broken potsherds with writing engraves/painted on them) inscribed in Coptic.

Additional discoveries include domestic tools, stone fragments from architectural elements, and pieces of limestone panels carved with Coptic inscriptions.

Together, the architectural remains and artefacts offer a rare and detailed glimpse into a Byzantine-era monastic settlement in Upper Egypt, underscoring Sohag’s growing importance as a centre for archaeological discoveries beyond Egypt’s more traditional tourist sites.

* This article was originally published here