The joint Egyptian archaeological mission between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Faculty of Archaeology at Cairo University has uncovered the remains of an ancient monastery dating back to the 4th–6th centuries AD. The site is located in the hidden monasteries area of Wadi El-Natrun in Beheira Governorate, one of the most important centers for the emergence of monasticism in Egypt and worldwide, Invest-Gate reports.

Monastery Structure and Early Monastic Architecture

This discovery represents a significant stage in the development of early monastic life, shedding light on the architectural planning of the first monasteries in this region of great religious and historical value.

The discovered building covers an area of approximately 2,000 square meters and is constructed from mud bricks. The external walls are one meter thick, while the internal walls range between 60 and 70 cm in thickness, with heights between 1.80 and 2.20 meters.

Internal Facilities and Burial Sites

The building includes an open central courtyard at the heart of its layout, surrounded by a series of architectural units that include subsidiary courtyards opening onto monks’ cells (kellia) of various shapes and sizes, ranging from square to rectangular. The western part of the building contains service annexes, including fully equipped kitchens, ovens, and storage areas for provisions.

Excavations also revealed several burial sites within the building, containing human bone remains likely belonging to the monastery’s monks, reflecting the funerary aspect associated with monastic life during this period.

Decorations and Religious Inscriptions

Architectural studies showed the use of various roofing systems, including vaults and domes made of mud bricks. The walls were coated with a layer of white plaster and decorated with murals featuring crosses, palm trees, and various plant and geometric motifs.

Additionally, several inscriptions in Coptic script were found, including the names of monks who resided in the monastery, alongside religious texts invoking mercy and forgiveness. These findings help date the building and document the daily lives of the monks.

Officials’ Statements and Significance of the Discovery

Mr. Sherif Fathi, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, expressed his delight at this discovery, emphasizing that it represents a qualitative addition to our understanding of the origins of monasticism in Egypt, which spread from Egyptian soil to different parts of the world.

He added that Wadi El-Natrun is one of Egypt’s most important spiritual and historical centers, and this discovery enhances its position on the international religious and cultural tourism map.

The Minister also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to integrate Coptic archaeological sites into comprehensive tourism products, particularly within the framework of the Holy Family Route, achieving diversity in the tourist experience and showcasing Egypt’s rich heritage.

Dr. Hisham El-Laithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that this discovery comes within the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to uncover and preserve buried heritage, noting that Coptic sites have been receiving increased attention recently.

Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel-Sadek, President of Cairo University, confirmed that the excavation was conducted entirely by Egyptian hands using the latest scientific methods, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Dr. Mohsen Saleh, Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology at Cairo University, explained that the mission developed a comprehensive plan to document and preserve the discovered building according to the latest scientific standards, considering the nature of the mud-brick materials and sustainability principles.
Dr. Diaa Zahran, Head of the Islamic and Coptic Antiquities Sector, emphasized that the building is a complete model of early monastic structures, retaining most of its architectural elements.

Dr. Mohamed Taman, Head of the Central Administration of Delta and Sinai Antiquities, stated that the discovery adds a new dimension to understanding the layout of early monasteries, particularly with internal burial sites reflecting monastic life.

Dr. Yasser Ismail Abdel-Salam, Head of the Archaeological Mission, added that this discovery represents crucial material evidence confirming historical accounts of the emergence of monasticism in Wadi El-Natrun, indicating that the building reflects a transitional phase in monastic architecture between individual cells (kellia) and large monasteries.