Ancient Structure and Coptic Art Unearthed in Upper Egypt

Egypt Today

a day ago

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, an Egyptian mission working in the Monqabad area in Asyut has uncovered the remains of a mudbrick building dating back to the 6th–7th century AD.
The announcement comes as part of the Supreme Council of Antiquities' ongoing efforts to support excavations across the country, under the directives of Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, revealed that the building features two levels coated in white plaster.
Inside, archaeologists found a series of rare and important wall paintings. One striking mural features repeated eye motifs centered around a human face—a symbolic representation in Coptic art often interpreted as inner spiritual insight and divine awareness.
Another mural shows the image of a man carrying a child, likely Saint Joseph holding the Christ Child, flanked by disciples and Coptic inscriptions.
Dr. Gamal Mostafa, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector, added that the first level of the structure includes three parallel halls followed by two rooms.
A staircase leads to a lower level with three parallel cells and two living quarters. Numerous artifacts were uncovered, including Coptic-inscribed tombstones, amphorae bearing Coptic letters, and a stone frieze adorned with animal motifs of a gazelle and a lion. Various multi-use pottery vessels were also found.
According to Mahmoud Mohamed, Director of Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities in East Asyut, excavation and mural studies are ongoing to unravel the building's function and significance further.
Monqabad is about 12 kilometers northwest of Asyut City and roughly 22 kilometers from Asyut International Airport. The site was initially discovered in 1965, with intermittent excavation seasons beginning in 1976 and continuing through 2010, before resuming with the current 2024 mission.