Ancient Coptic structure with significant murals discovered in Egypt's Assiut

Daily News Egypt

4 days ago

An Egyptian archaeological mission has discovered a mud-brick building dating from the 6th to 7th centuries AD, along with a number of significant coloured murals, in the Manqabad area of Assiut.
The discovery was announced as part of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) ongoing efforts in archaeological excavation and its support for scientific missions, in line with directives from Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.
Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the SCA, explained that the discovered building is coated with a layer of white mortar and consists of two levels. Within these, several important murals were found. He highlighted the 'remains of a mural with significant symbolism in Coptic art, where its theme represents eyes in a repetitive manner, with a face in the middle, indicating inner spiritual insight that may be hidden from many who live a worldly life and love the world; it is a symbol of wisdom, awakening, and vigilance in pastoral matters.'
Khaled added that another mural depicts 'the remains of a drawing of a man holding a small child, which is likely Joseph the Carpenter holding Jesus Christ, with disciples on the right and left sides, alongside Coptic writings.'
Gamal Mostafa, Head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector at the SCA, provided further details on the structure's layout. He indicated that 'the first level of the building consists of three parallel halls, followed by two rooms, which contain a descending staircase leading to the lower level. This lower level features three parallel cells followed by two living rooms.'
Numerous pottery and stone artefacts were found within these rooms. Mostafa noted, 'among the most prominent finds is a tombstone of a saint, inscribed with Coptic writings that clarify the saint's name and date of death.' Other discoveries include 'many amphorae of different sizes bearing some Coptic letters, a stone frieze with animal decoration representing the remains of a gazelle and a lion, and some multi-use pottery vessels.'
Mahmoud Mohamed, Director-General of the East Assiut Antiquities area for Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities, stated that the mission is continuing its excavation work and the study of the discovered murals. The aim is 'to learn more about the secrets of this building and its importance.'
He also provided information on the site's location, noting that 'the Manqabad antiquities area is located in the village of Manqabad, part of Assiut centre and governorate, approximately 12 km northwest of Assiut city. It lies southwest of the main highway and about 22 km from Assiut International Airport.'
The Manqabad area was first identified in 1965, with actual excavation work commencing in 1976. Excavation seasons continued intermittently until 2010, followed by the current Egyptian-led excavations in the 2024 season. The ongoing work aims to fully understand the function and significance of the newly discovered Coptic-era building.