By Ahram-online –
Egypt has uncovered a fifth-century AD building believed to have served as a monastic guesthouse during the early days of Coptic monasticism in Beheira governorate.
The discovery, made by an Egyptian archaeological mission working at the Al-Qalaye site in Hosh Issa, offers new insight into the evolution of early monastic architecture and daily life in one of Egypt’s oldest monastic centres.
The structure, unearthed in the Al-Ruba’iyat area, was likely used to host visitors during the formative period of monastic life, reflecting a transition from isolated ascetic practices to more organized, semi-communal systems.
Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Hisham El-Leithy said the find represents a significant addition to the study of early monastic architecture, noting that Al-Qalaye is considered the second-largest monastic cluster in the history of Christian monasticism.
“The site’s architectural style reflects the earliest nucleus of monastery establishment,” he said, adding that the discovered decorations and wall paintings provide valuable evidence for understanding early Coptic art and the nature of monastic life.
The building consists of 13 multi-purpose rooms, including individual and communal living quarters for monks, as well as larger halls used for hospitality and teaching, said Diaa Zahran, head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector.
“These spaces are divided by architectural arches and supported by service facilities such as kitchens and storage areas,” he added.
In the northern section, archaeologists uncovered a large hall with stone benches decorated with plant motifs, likely used to receive visitors. At the centre of the building is a designated prayer area with an east-facing niche preceded by a limestone cross.
The structure extends along a north–south axis and shows multiple architectural additions over time, indicating its evolving use across successive periods.
Mission head Samir Rizq Abdel-Hafez said excavations also revealed wall paintings depicting monastic figures identified by their garments, alongside plant-based decorative motifs, including braided patterns in red, white, and black and eight-petalled floral designs.
One mural depicts two gazelles surrounded by vegetal decorations enclosing a double circular motif, reflecting the symbolic richness of early Coptic artistic expression, he added.
The mission also uncovered a two-metre-long marble column, column capitals and bases, pottery vessels, and numerous ceramic fragments, some bearing plant and geometric motifs or Coptic inscriptions.
Remains of bird and animal bones, as well as seashells, were also found, offering insight into daily life and dietary practices at the site.
Among the most notable finds is a limestone slab inscribed in Coptic, believed to be a tombstone. Preliminary readings suggest it commemorates a figure named “Apa Kyr, son of Shenouda,” indicating continued human activity at the site during periods of flourishing monastic life.
Excavations at the site began in 2023, with earlier seasons revealing monastic cell clusters known as “manshubiyat,” along with additional service buildings and pottery used for food preparation and storage, underscoring the site’s importance as one of Egypt’s earliest monastic hubs.
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