An Egyptian archaeological mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities has uncovered the remains of an integrated monastic residential complex dating back to the Byzantine era. The discovery was made during ongoing excavations at the "Al-Qarya bil-Duwayr" site in the Tama district of Sohag Governorate.
Mr. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, stated that this find embodies the richness and diversity of Egypt’s civilizational heritage across various eras. He emphasized that such discoveries bolster the Ministry's efforts to develop cultural tourism and highlight "off-the-beaten-path" archaeological destinations, attracting researchers and tourists interested in the history of civilizations and religions.
Insights into Early Monastic Life
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, highlighted the historical significance of the find. He noted that the discovery provides new data on the nature of monastic life in Upper Egypt during the Byzantine period. Preliminary results suggest a structured settlement pattern, indicating a permanent monastic community resided at the site.
Mr. Mohamed Abdel-Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, detailed the architectural layout:
Residential Units: Rectangular mud-brick buildings extending from west to east, with dimensions ranging from 8 \times 7 meters to 14 \times 8 meters.
Hermitages (Cells): Small vaulted rooms likely used as cells (monks' private quarters) for prayer and seclusion.
Worship Areas: Rectangular halls, some featuring niches or apses dedicated to worship.
* Communal Spaces: Southern courtyards containing entrances and small circular structures, believed to be dining tables (refectories) for the monks.
The Central Church and Industrial Facilities
Excavations also revealed specialized structures, according to Dr. Mohamed Naguib, Director General of Sohag Antiquities. These include basins built of red brick and limestone—coated with red mortar—likely used for water storage or craft-related activities.
Crucially, the mission identified a large mud-brick building (14 \times 10 meters) believed to be the complex's Main Church. Its design follows the traditional tripartite division:
The Nave: Featuring mud-brick pillars that suggest it was once topped by a central dome.
The Chorus: The transitional area before the sanctuary.
The Sanctuary: Located at the eastern end in a semi-circular shape, flanked by two side chambers.
Artifacts and Inscriptions
Mr. Walid El-Sayed, Head of the Archaeological Mission, reported the recovery of several significant artifacts, including:
Amphorae: Storage jars, some bearing inscriptions (possibly names, numbers, or letters) on their shoulders.
Ostraca: Pottery shards featuring Coptic inscriptions.
Daily Life Tools: Various household items and architectural fragments.
Limestone Plaques: Engraved with Coptic script.
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