Egypt uncovers ancient monastic guesthouse in Beheira
Archaeologists reveal fifth-century structure shedding light on early Coptic monastic life, architecture and community practices
BEHEIRA, Egypt (MNTV) — Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered a fifth-century structure believed to have functioned as a monastic guesthouse, offering new insights into the early development of Coptic religious communities.
The discovery was made by a mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities at the Al-Qalaya site in Hosh Issa, an area considered one of the earliest centers of Christian monasticism in Egypt.
Officials say the building, located within the Al-Ruba’iyat zone, reflects early architectural forms associated with communal religious life. The site is regarded as one of the largest monastic settlements of its kind, with features pointing to the formative stages of monastery design.
Excavations revealed a complex structure consisting of 13 rooms that served multiple purposes, including private and shared living spaces for monks, as well as larger areas likely used for teaching and receiving visitors.
Researchers noted that the building underwent several modifications over time, indicating shifts in its function.
The northern section of the structure includes a large hall with stone seating, believed to have been used to host guests. At its center lies a designated prayer space marked by a limestone cross embedded in the eastern wall, highlighting the building’s religious role.
The site also yielded a range of artistic remains, including wall paintings depicting partially completed human figures identified as monks, along with decorative plant patterns.
Among the most notable discoveries is a mural showing two gazelles surrounded by intricate vegetal designs and symbolic motifs, reflecting early Coptic artistic traditions.
Archaeologists also uncovered a variety of artifacts, including a marble column, column capitals and bases, pottery fragments, and ostraca—pottery shards bearing inscriptions in Coptic script or decorated with geometric and floral patterns.
Additional findings such as animal and bird bones, along with seashell remains, provide clues about the dietary habits of the monastic community.
One of the most significant discoveries is a limestone funerary slab inscribed in Coptic, believed to commemorate an individual named “Abba Kyr, son of Shenouda,” suggesting continued religious activity and habitation at the site during its peak period.
Researchers say ongoing excavations, which began in 2023, have already uncovered other monastic clusters and service buildings, reinforcing Al-Qalaya’s importance as a key site for understanding the early history of monastic life in Egypt.
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