Ancient monastery from earliest centuries of Christianity unearthed at desert site

Wadi El-Natrun is considered "one of the most important centers for the emergence of monasticism in Egypt and the world," according to officials - and the monastery dates from the fourth to sixth centuries A.D.

The mudbrick building measures around 21,528 square feet, with walls more than three feet thick and rooms reaching about seven feet in height.

The site features an open courtyard surrounded by buildings. The buildings housed monks' cells, ovens, kitchens and storage areas.

"Architectural studies show the use of various roofing systems, including vaults and domes constructed from mudbrick," the officials noted. 

Excavators also unearthed several inscriptions bearing the names of monks who lived there, along with "religious texts invoking mercy and forgiveness."

Sherif Fathy, minister of tourism and antiquities, said the find "represents a significant addition to our understanding of the origins of monasticism in Egypt, which began on Egyptian soil before spreading worldwide."

Fathy also emphasized the "ministry's commitment to integrating Coptic heritage sites into comprehensive tourism offerings … to enrich the tourist experience and highlight Egypt's rich heritage."

Mohamed Taman, head of the central administration for Lower Egypt and Sinai Antiquities, said the discovery "adds a new dimension to understanding the layout of early monasteries, particularly with the presence of internal burial spaces reflecting monastic life."

The discovery comes soon after archaeologists uncovered a similar monastic complex in the Beheira Governorate.

At the site, archaeologists found the remains of "a fully integrated residential complex for monks dating back to the Byzantine period," the statement said.