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The remains of a complete Byzantine monastic residential complex have been discovered by an Egyptian mission working at the al-Qarya archaeological site, in the Tima district of Sohag. The team found the remains of rectangular mud-brick structures with dimensions ranging from approximately 8m by 7m to 14m by 8m. The buildings have rectangular halls, some with a niche for worship, and small cells with vaulted ceilings where the monks slept. Some of the original mortar survives, preserved on the walls of the structures. On the southern side of some of the buildings there are courtyards with entrances on their south sides, and the remains of small circular dining tables. The team also uncovered large red-brick and limestone basins covered in red mortar, which may have been used for water storage. A larger 14m by 10m structure was found as well. This is believed to be the main church, with a nave, choir, and a semi-circular sanctuary flanked by two chambers. The remains of mud-brick supports suggest the church was topped by a central dome. Other finds include storage amphorae, a collection of ostraca bearing Coptic text, household items, and limestone architectural fragments, some of which are inscribed in Coptic.
Text: Sarah Griffiths / All images: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
