Ancient Coptic-Era Building Unearthed in Upper Egyp

An Egyptian archaeological mission has uncovered a mudbrick structure dating back to the 6th–7th century AD in the Monqabad area of Asyut, shedding new light on early Coptic heritage. The discovery was made as part of ongoing excavations supported by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, under the directives of Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy.

According to Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Council, the building is coated with white plaster and consists of two levels. Inside, archaeologists found a series of rare and significant Coptic wall paintings.

One of the murals features repeated eye motifs with a central face — an artistic representation associated with spiritual insight, wisdom, and pastoral awareness in Coptic symbolism. Another mural depicts a man, likely Saint Joseph, carrying a child believed to be Jesus Christ, flanked by the apostles and Coptic inscriptions on either side.

Dr. Gamal Mostafa, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector, said the upper level of the structure includes three parallel halls and two rooms. A staircase leads to the lower level, where archaeologists uncovered three monastic-style cells and two living chambers.

Among the artifacts discovered were pottery and stone items, including a Coptic-inscribed tombstone identifying a saint and the date of his death, amphorae marked with Coptic letters, and a stone frieze featuring animal motifs — including a deer and a lion. Several multi-purpose pottery vessels were also found.

Excavations and research are ongoing, particularly focused on understanding the building’s original function and cultural significance.

Mahmoud Mohamed, Director of the East Asyut Department for Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities, noted that the site of Monqabad lies approximately 12 kilometers northwest of Asyut city and 22 kilometers from Asyut International Airport. The area was first identified in 1965, with intermittent excavations beginning in 1976. The latest season, led by an Egyptian team, resumed in 2024.

“This is a significant step in deepening our understanding of Coptic history in Upper Egypt,” Mohamed said, adding that further discoveries are expected as excavations continue.