Uncovering The Past: An Archaeology Of Christian Egypt (AH1149A)

Content

This unit will give students a comprehensive overview of the main archaeological sites in Egypt from Late Antiquity, looking at both communal monasteries and semi-anchoritic settlements, analysing their characteristic components and their evolution in time. Students will also study the representation of wall paintings presented in the most important monastic sites. This unit will also consider how textual information pertaining to the various theologies present in late antique Egypt is reflected in monastic architecture, as revealed archaeologically.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

12 weekly sessions consisting of lectures, presentations, and class discussion.

Indicative Bibliography

• Badawy, Alexander, Coptic Art and Archaeology, Cambridge, 1978.
• Bolman, E., Monastic Visions. Wall Paintings in the Monastery of St. Antony at the Red Sea, New Haven, 2002.
• Evelyn-White, Hugh, The Monasteries of Wadi ‘n Natrun, Part I-III, New York, 1926-33.
• Frend, W. H. C., The Archaeology of Early Christianity, Minneapolis, 1996.
• Gabra, Gawdat, Coptic Monasteries: Egypt’s Monastic Art and Architecture, Cairo, 2004.
• Grossmann, Peter, Abu Mina, a Guide to the Ancient Pilgrimage Center, Cairo, 1986.
• Lyster, William, The Cave Church of St. Paul the Hermit, Cairo, 2008.
• Quibell, J. E., Excavations at Saqqara, v. 4. 1908-1909, 1909-1910. The Monastery of Apa Jeremias, Cairo, 1912.
• Wilfong, T. G.,Women of Jeme. Lives in a Coptic Town in Late Antique Egypt, Ann Arbor, 2002.
• Winlock, H. E. and W. E. Crum, The Monastery of Epiphanius at Thebes. 2 vols, New York, 1926.
• Articles that are compulsory weekly readings will be made available online [in PDF format].

Assessment