Maged S.A. Mikhail and Mark Moussa (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774162602
- eISBN:
- 9781617970474
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774162602.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
Wadi al-Natrun, a depression in the Western Desert of Egypt, is one of the most important centers for the development and continued thriving of the Coptic monastic tradition. Christianity and ...
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Wadi al-Natrun, a depression in the Western Desert of Egypt, is one of the most important centers for the development and continued thriving of the Coptic monastic tradition. Christianity and monasticism have prospered there from as early as the fourth century until the present day, when four major monasteries still flourish. In this book international specialists in Coptology examine various aspects of Coptic civilization in Wadi al-Natrun over the past 1,700 years. The studies center on aspects of the history and development of monasticism in Wadi al-Natrun, as well as the art, architecture, and archaeology of the four existing and numerous former monasteries of the region.Less
Wadi al-Natrun, a depression in the Western Desert of Egypt, is one of the most important centers for the development and continued thriving of the Coptic monastic tradition. Christianity and monasticism have prospered there from as early as the fourth century until the present day, when four major monasteries still flourish. In this book international specialists in Coptology examine various aspects of Coptic civilization in Wadi al-Natrun over the past 1,700 years. The studies center on aspects of the history and development of monasticism in Wadi al-Natrun, as well as the art, architecture, and archaeology of the four existing and numerous former monasteries of the region.
Maged S.A. Mikhail and Mark Moussa
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774162602
- eISBN:
- 9781617970474
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774162602.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter examines in particular the inhabitants of Wadi al-Natrun, who came from several ethnic groups other than native Egyptians or Copts. The history of the Wadi al-Natrun can be traced back ...
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This chapter examines in particular the inhabitants of Wadi al-Natrun, who came from several ethnic groups other than native Egyptians or Copts. The history of the Wadi al-Natrun can be traced back to earlier pharaonic times when the trade route ran from Buhaira and Farāfrah. The multiethnic character of the Wadi al-Natrun is reflected in the names of two monasteries which are still active today: Dayr as-Surian, the Syrian Monastery, and Dayr al-Baramus, the Monastery of the Romans. The ethnic problems in the Scetis are presented. It also explains the foundation of the al-Baramus Monastery and the early historical developments in the Wadi al-Natrun. The new, cenobitic form of monastic life fostered the establishment of other religious communities in the Scetis.Less
This chapter examines in particular the inhabitants of Wadi al-Natrun, who came from several ethnic groups other than native Egyptians or Copts. The history of the Wadi al-Natrun can be traced back to earlier pharaonic times when the trade route ran from Buhaira and Farāfrah. The multiethnic character of the Wadi al-Natrun is reflected in the names of two monasteries which are still active today: Dayr as-Surian, the Syrian Monastery, and Dayr al-Baramus, the Monastery of the Romans. The ethnic problems in the Scetis are presented. It also explains the foundation of the al-Baramus Monastery and the early historical developments in the Wadi al-Natrun. The new, cenobitic form of monastic life fostered the establishment of other religious communities in the Scetis.
Maged S.A. Mikhail and Mark Moussa
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774162602
- eISBN:
- 9781617970474
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774162602.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter reports the literary works found in the ancient libraries of Wadi al-Natrun, as well as the scholarly works and studies being done on them. In particular, it provides a brief overview of ...
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This chapter reports the literary works found in the ancient libraries of Wadi al-Natrun, as well as the scholarly works and studies being done on them. In particular, it provides a brief overview of Coptic literature and the current status of research in this field of study. It also mentions that the connection between literature and monasticism goes back to the very beginning of the Coptic period. It specifically gives an overview of the history and importance of Wadi al-Natrun. It then offers a summary of interesting points and presents examples for the several problems that Coptology is dealing with. In general, it is hoped that this chapter shows that the old manuscripts of the Wadi al-Natrun, which transmit a history of nearly 1,000 years, hand over to the readers the responsibility for large parts of the heritage of Coptic literature.Less
This chapter reports the literary works found in the ancient libraries of Wadi al-Natrun, as well as the scholarly works and studies being done on them. In particular, it provides a brief overview of Coptic literature and the current status of research in this field of study. It also mentions that the connection between literature and monasticism goes back to the very beginning of the Coptic period. It specifically gives an overview of the history and importance of Wadi al-Natrun. It then offers a summary of interesting points and presents examples for the several problems that Coptology is dealing with. In general, it is hoped that this chapter shows that the old manuscripts of the Wadi al-Natrun, which transmit a history of nearly 1,000 years, hand over to the readers the responsibility for large parts of the heritage of Coptic literature.
Maged S.A. Mikhail and Mark Moussa
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774162602
- eISBN:
- 9781617970474
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774162602.003.0015
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter explores in detail some of the Byzantine icons found in Wadi al-Natrun, arguing for their Egyptian origin. Six large Deesis portraits of unknown provenance are preserved in the Coptic ...
More
This chapter explores in detail some of the Byzantine icons found in Wadi al-Natrun, arguing for their Egyptian origin. Six large Deesis portraits of unknown provenance are preserved in the Coptic monasteries in the Wadi al-Natrun. Five, which are of serial nature, formed a part of a majestic Great Deesis set of 11 icons. The investigation in technical art history reconstructs the set and traces the origin of the Wadi al-Natrun icons painted in Byzantine style on locally made sycamore panels to Coptic patronage in Cairo. It specifically addresses the thirteenth-century Interceding St. John the Baptist from a Trimorphon Set and the five palaiologan serial portraits from the Great Deesis, namely Archangel Gabriel, St. Mark the Evangelist, St. Matthew, Apostle Paul, and St. John the Theologian. It then considers the reconstruction of the Great Deesis set from which the Wadi al-Natrun portraits originated. Moreover, the Church of St. Mercurios Abu Seifein in the Monastery of St. Mercurios, Old Cairo is explored.Less
This chapter explores in detail some of the Byzantine icons found in Wadi al-Natrun, arguing for their Egyptian origin. Six large Deesis portraits of unknown provenance are preserved in the Coptic monasteries in the Wadi al-Natrun. Five, which are of serial nature, formed a part of a majestic Great Deesis set of 11 icons. The investigation in technical art history reconstructs the set and traces the origin of the Wadi al-Natrun icons painted in Byzantine style on locally made sycamore panels to Coptic patronage in Cairo. It specifically addresses the thirteenth-century Interceding St. John the Baptist from a Trimorphon Set and the five palaiologan serial portraits from the Great Deesis, namely Archangel Gabriel, St. Mark the Evangelist, St. Matthew, Apostle Paul, and St. John the Theologian. It then considers the reconstruction of the Great Deesis set from which the Wadi al-Natrun portraits originated. Moreover, the Church of St. Mercurios Abu Seifein in the Monastery of St. Mercurios, Old Cairo is explored.
Maged S.A. Mikhail and Mark Moussa
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774162602
- eISBN:
- 9781617970474
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774162602.003.0016
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter explores the multilingual inscriptions found in the region: the chapter aims to show how these inscriptions can be used to uncover the history of monasticism in Wadi al-Natrun. It is ...
More
This chapter explores the multilingual inscriptions found in the region: the chapter aims to show how these inscriptions can be used to uncover the history of monasticism in Wadi al-Natrun. It is hoped that this chapter can give an idea, first, of the variety and richness of the epigraphic sources, and then of their importance. There are three categories of inscriptions—the monumental stone inscriptions, those painted upon or scratched into the walls, and finally those adorning moveable objects—that constitute the subject of monastic epigraphy in its breadth and variety. It is shown that they are a source of information which the historian of the Wadi al-Natrun would be unwise to neglect, even if they do not always write History with a capital letter H. It then reports the Coptic inscriptions that have been discovered since 1990 near Dayr Abu Maqar and in the Church of the Virgin at Dayr al-Suryan, and are still only partly published. The chapter also limits itself to only three aspects of the recent finds, namely their historical, linguistic, and cultic implications. In general, the inscriptions briefly discussed represent a mere selection from the epigraphic material in Coptic discovered in the Wadi al-Natrun during the last fifteen years.Less
This chapter explores the multilingual inscriptions found in the region: the chapter aims to show how these inscriptions can be used to uncover the history of monasticism in Wadi al-Natrun. It is hoped that this chapter can give an idea, first, of the variety and richness of the epigraphic sources, and then of their importance. There are three categories of inscriptions—the monumental stone inscriptions, those painted upon or scratched into the walls, and finally those adorning moveable objects—that constitute the subject of monastic epigraphy in its breadth and variety. It is shown that they are a source of information which the historian of the Wadi al-Natrun would be unwise to neglect, even if they do not always write History with a capital letter H. It then reports the Coptic inscriptions that have been discovered since 1990 near Dayr Abu Maqar and in the Church of the Virgin at Dayr al-Suryan, and are still only partly published. The chapter also limits itself to only three aspects of the recent finds, namely their historical, linguistic, and cultic implications. In general, the inscriptions briefly discussed represent a mere selection from the epigraphic material in Coptic discovered in the Wadi al-Natrun during the last fifteen years.
Maged S.A. Mikhail and Mark Moussa
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774162602
- eISBN:
- 9781617970474
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774162602.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter deals with the role that monasticism and Wadi al-Natrun have played in Coptology. In particular, it presents the history of Coptological studies and the definition of Coptology. It ...
More
This chapter deals with the role that monasticism and Wadi al-Natrun have played in Coptology. In particular, it presents the history of Coptological studies and the definition of Coptology. It starts in the nineteenth century, when the first professorship for Coptic language and literature was appointed at a German university. For the beginning of Coptological studies, it points to the article “Coptological Studies” in the Coptic Encyclopedia. It is seen here that Coptology is not a small, but a very large discipline and needs many scholars for research. The Wadi al Natrun enriches nearly all fields of Coptology and it also covers a very long period from the fourth century of the Christian era up to the present day and also for the coming centuries. In general, all lectures are part of Coptological studies and show the importance of Wadi al-Natrun for the many fields of Coptology from the beginning of monasticism in the fourth century to the present time and—with God's help—the coming centuries.Less
This chapter deals with the role that monasticism and Wadi al-Natrun have played in Coptology. In particular, it presents the history of Coptological studies and the definition of Coptology. It starts in the nineteenth century, when the first professorship for Coptic language and literature was appointed at a German university. For the beginning of Coptological studies, it points to the article “Coptological Studies” in the Coptic Encyclopedia. It is seen here that Coptology is not a small, but a very large discipline and needs many scholars for research. The Wadi al Natrun enriches nearly all fields of Coptology and it also covers a very long period from the fourth century of the Christian era up to the present day and also for the coming centuries. In general, all lectures are part of Coptological studies and show the importance of Wadi al-Natrun for the many fields of Coptology from the beginning of monasticism in the fourth century to the present time and—with God's help—the coming centuries.
Maged S.A. Mikhail and Mark Moussa
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774162602
- eISBN:
- 9781617970474
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774162602.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter deals with the mention of the area in The History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria, also recounting interesting historical events that were witnessed there by the authors of this ...
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This chapter deals with the mention of the area in The History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria, also recounting interesting historical events that were witnessed there by the authors of this important historical work. It specifically sheds some light on the monasteries and monks of the Wādī al-Naṭrūn as they are mentioned and described in the History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria. It then concentrates on the period of the Fatimids (969–1171 A.D.), which is generally considered one of the periods in which the Coptic community flourished. Next, it presents a number of remarks on the patriarchs Christodoulos and Cyril II, and on what their biographer, Mawhūb, has to say about them and about the monks and the monasteries of the Wādī al-Naṭrūn in their days. It also considers Saint Bishoi, Dayr al-Suryān, Saint John the Little, Saint Macarius, Baramūs, and Saint John Kamā. It is shown that Mawhūb was very much at home in several of its monasteries.Less
This chapter deals with the mention of the area in The History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria, also recounting interesting historical events that were witnessed there by the authors of this important historical work. It specifically sheds some light on the monasteries and monks of the Wādī al-Naṭrūn as they are mentioned and described in the History of the Patriarchs of Alexandria. It then concentrates on the period of the Fatimids (969–1171 A.D.), which is generally considered one of the periods in which the Coptic community flourished. Next, it presents a number of remarks on the patriarchs Christodoulos and Cyril II, and on what their biographer, Mawhūb, has to say about them and about the monks and the monasteries of the Wādī al-Naṭrūn in their days. It also considers Saint Bishoi, Dayr al-Suryān, Saint John the Little, Saint Macarius, Baramūs, and Saint John Kamā. It is shown that Mawhūb was very much at home in several of its monasteries.
Maged S.A. Mikhail and Mark Moussa
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774162602
- eISBN:
- 9781617970474
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774162602.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter reports the types of liturgical services that have been found in the area and their eventual influence on the liturgical tradition of the Coptic Church, as observed in the contents of ...
More
This chapter reports the types of liturgical services that have been found in the area and their eventual influence on the liturgical tradition of the Coptic Church, as observed in the contents of the Library of the Monastery of St. Macarius. It is well known that the monasteries of Wadi al-Natrun played an important role in unifying the Coptic liturgy and endowing it with the ritual which is in use today. In particular, the chapter presents evidence drawn from monastic manuscripts, the ordinary services and the witnesses to non-extant services. The works which the author referred results in the borderline between liturgy and literature. Some literary works, in fact, whether found amongst the manuscripts of Wadi al-Natrun or not, can shed some light on the way the liturgy was celebrated. Finally, the influence of the monasteries is shown.Less
This chapter reports the types of liturgical services that have been found in the area and their eventual influence on the liturgical tradition of the Coptic Church, as observed in the contents of the Library of the Monastery of St. Macarius. It is well known that the monasteries of Wadi al-Natrun played an important role in unifying the Coptic liturgy and endowing it with the ritual which is in use today. In particular, the chapter presents evidence drawn from monastic manuscripts, the ordinary services and the witnesses to non-extant services. The works which the author referred results in the borderline between liturgy and literature. Some literary works, in fact, whether found amongst the manuscripts of Wadi al-Natrun or not, can shed some light on the way the liturgy was celebrated. Finally, the influence of the monasteries is shown.
Maged S.A. Mikhail and Mark Moussa
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774162602
- eISBN:
- 9781617970474
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774162602.003.0010
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter provides an overall survey of the architectural features found in the excavations of the monastic settlements in Wādī al-Naṭrūn, including the recent excavations at the Monastery of St. ...
More
This chapter provides an overall survey of the architectural features found in the excavations of the monastic settlements in Wādī al-Naṭrūn, including the recent excavations at the Monastery of St. John the Little. Some geographical facts of the Wādī al-Naṭrūn are made clear, and then it enters into the descriptions of other monk cells. The first monastic settlement in the region was founded in the area now occupied by the Monastery of Baramūs or “Monastery of the Romans” (nrwmeoc), as it appears in Coptic sources. There are also some remarkable facts in Wādī al-Naṭrūn related to the churches. It appears that the introduction of the khūrus into Egyptian church architecture is directly connected with the personality of the Patriarch Benjamin.Less
This chapter provides an overall survey of the architectural features found in the excavations of the monastic settlements in Wādī al-Naṭrūn, including the recent excavations at the Monastery of St. John the Little. Some geographical facts of the Wādī al-Naṭrūn are made clear, and then it enters into the descriptions of other monk cells. The first monastic settlement in the region was founded in the area now occupied by the Monastery of Baramūs or “Monastery of the Romans” (nrwmeoc), as it appears in Coptic sources. There are also some remarkable facts in Wādī al-Naṭrūn related to the churches. It appears that the introduction of the khūrus into Egyptian church architecture is directly connected with the personality of the Patriarch Benjamin.
Maged S.A. Mikhail and Mark Moussa
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789774162602
- eISBN:
- 9781617970474
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- American University in Cairo Press
- DOI:
- 10.5743/cairo/9789774162602.003.0012
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter provides a general introduction to the author's work on the art in the Church of St. Macarius. In particular, it considers the wallpainting in the south haykal of the principal church of ...
More
This chapter provides a general introduction to the author's work on the art in the Church of St. Macarius. In particular, it considers the wallpainting in the south haykal of the principal church of St. Macarius at Dayr Abu Makar. It proposes to redress the balance by considering the paintings, uncovered a quarter of a century ago, in the light of the historical, archaeological, and art historical evidence. During the process, it raises questions for further architectural and archaeological study. A brief survey of the early building history of the Church of Saint Macarius at Dayr Abu Makar is shown. In addition, the layers of wallpainting along the north wall of the sanctuary are described with reference to the plan, from the lowest layer upwards. The painting on the north wall seemingly predates that of the steps in the south chapel. Study of the early wallpaintings draws attention to a vital and virtually ignored aspect of the church's decoration, also of interest in themselves as reflecting Egypt's monastic tradition through the prism of secular art.Less
This chapter provides a general introduction to the author's work on the art in the Church of St. Macarius. In particular, it considers the wallpainting in the south haykal of the principal church of St. Macarius at Dayr Abu Makar. It proposes to redress the balance by considering the paintings, uncovered a quarter of a century ago, in the light of the historical, archaeological, and art historical evidence. During the process, it raises questions for further architectural and archaeological study. A brief survey of the early building history of the Church of Saint Macarius at Dayr Abu Makar is shown. In addition, the layers of wallpainting along the north wall of the sanctuary are described with reference to the plan, from the lowest layer upwards. The painting on the north wall seemingly predates that of the steps in the south chapel. Study of the early wallpaintings draws attention to a vital and virtually ignored aspect of the church's decoration, also of interest in themselves as reflecting Egypt's monastic tradition through the prism of secular art.
