At the Qaryet bil-Duweir archaeological site in the Tema district in Sohag in Upper Egypt, the remains of a residential monastic complex have been uncovered by an Egyptian archaeological mission affiliated with the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) as part of ongoing excavation works, reports Nevine El-Aref.
The unearthed structures, built of mudbrick, are believed to have formed an integrated residential community for monks during the Byzantine era.
The discovery reflects the richness and diversity of Egypt’s cultural heritage across different historical periods as well as supporting the development of cultural tourism in Egypt. They help to highlight non-traditional archaeological destinations, attracting more visitors and researchers interested in the history of civilisations and religions.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the SCA, emphasised the importance of the discovery for understanding monastic life in Upper Egypt during the Byzantine period.
The excavation results, he explained, indicate an organised settlement pattern within the buildings, suggesting they once housed a fully integrated monastic community.
Among the discovered features are rectangular mudbrick buildings extending from west to east, and some structures feature halls with apses for worship alongside small vaulted rooms believed to have served as monks’ cells. Further findings include courtyards, circular structures thought to have been used as dining tables, and water basins built of red brick and limestone.
The mission also uncovered what is believed to be the main church of the complex, featuring a nave, choir, and sanctuary, with evidence of a former central dome. Artefacts found at the site include storage amphorae with inscriptions, ostraca bearing Coptic script, daily-use tools, architectural fragments, and limestone plaques engraved with Coptic writing.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 15 January, 2026 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
Short link: