Image Credit: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Byzantine Monastic Complex Discovered in Upper Egypt

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered the remains of a well-planned Byzantine-era monastic residential complex in Sohag Governorate, offering new insight into early Christian monastic life in Upper Egypt. The discovery was made at the site of Al-Qarya bi-Al-Duweir in the Tema district during ongoing archaeological investigations.
Excavations revealed the foundations of multiple mudbrick buildings arranged as a cohesive and self-sustaining monastic community. The layout reflects an organized pattern of daily life, combining residential, religious, and communal spaces within a single complex.
The architectural remains include rectangular buildings aligned west to east, ranging in size from modest cells to larger halls. Some rooms feature apses or wall niches, likely used for prayer and worship, while smaller vaulted spaces are interpreted as monks’ living quarters. Traces of plaster survive on walls and floors, and several structures include courtyards connected to the main rooms.
A particularly significant discovery is a large mudbrick structure identified as the main church of the complex. Its plan includes a nave, choir, and semi-circular sanctuary, with evidence suggesting it was once covered by a central dome supported by mudbrick pillars. Nearby, circular installations are thought to have served as communal dining areas.
Material finds from the site include storage amphorae, some bearing inscriptions, Coptic ostraca, domestic tools, and carved limestone fragments with religious texts. Together, the architectural and artefactual evidence provides a rare and detailed picture of monastic organization and spiritual life during the Byzantine period, highlighting Sohag as an increasingly important area for archaeological research beyond Egypt’s better-known ancient centers.

Published on: 06-01-2026

Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie

Source: Ahram Online