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OverviewThe adoption of Christianity by the Egyptian populace was well underway by the late third century, but evidence for its presence in the archaeological record from the Nile valley is sparse. This is due, in part, to the loss of ancient settlement sites beneath modern cultivation. By comparison, Ismant al-Kharab, ancient Kellis, in Dakhleh Oasis, was abandoned at the end of the fourth century and many of its structures survive intact. The villagers, moreover, left behind a wealth of artefacts and documentation. By the late third century some had converted to Christianity and by the early fourth century three churches were built to accommodate their growing numbers. The churches afford an unparalleled window into three ecclesiastical complexes that served a single village. The Large East Church, moreover, is the earliest surviving example of a purpose-built basilica in Egypt known thus far. It provides a better understanding of the development of Egyptian church architecture and has forced a reappraisal of the dates of certain features that were previously attributed to the fifth century. The community established three burial grounds: Kellis 2, with an estimated 3,5004,000 graves, a funerary church and associated graveyard, and in a reused monumental mausoleum. Christian cemeteries are known throughout North Africa, Europe, and Britain, but in Egypt few are published in anything but a cursory manner. At Kellis, 800+ graves have been excavated; the earliest burials date to the late third century confirming the evidence of an early conversion by some villagers and its rapid expansion thereafter. This volume provides the first detailed publication of the churches and Christian burial grounds. It incorporates a discussion of the spread of Christianity in Egypt's Southern Oasis, drawing upon data from the rich textual documentation from the site. The material culture is presented in detail, especially the extensive collection of ceramics, glass, and coins. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Gillian E. BowenPublisher: Oxbow Books Imprint: Oxbow Books ISBN: 9781789259636ISBN 10: 1789259630 Pages: 488 Publication Date: 31 December 2023 Audience: Professional and scholarly , Professional & Vocational Format: Hardback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In Print  This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us. Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Section I: The Small East Church Excavation history Architectural description Stratigraphy Wall paintings Late activity Finds Discussion 4. Section II: The Large East Church Excavation history Architectural description Suggested building sequence Stratigraphy Late activity Wall paintings Finds Discussion 5. Section III: The West Church Complex Excavation history Architectural description Stratigraphy Late activity Collapse sequence Finds Discussion 6. Section IV: Christian Burial Grounds Enclosure 4 Cemetery and West Church Burials North Tomb 1 Burials Kellis 2 Cemetery Discussion 7. Concluding discussion 8. Appendices/BibliographyReviewsAuthor InformationGillian E. Bowen has worked with Colin Hope for over 30 years and they are currently joint recipients of a 5-year Australian Research Council Discovery Project grant to investigate the cult of the god Seth in Egypt, especially in Dakhleh, and its supposed proscription during the first millennium BCE. Until recently, Bowen was senior lecturer in ancient history at Monash University. Bowen has worked in Dakhleh since 1990, specialising in the archaeology of Christian Egypt; she has three concessions in Dakhleh from the Egyptian government all with Christian remains. Additionally, she is a numismatist and authority on ancient textiles. Tab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |
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