The excavations at Ismant al-Kharab. the churches and cemeteries /
:
The 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.0The community established three burial grounds: Kellis 2, with an estimated 3,500?4,000 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.0This 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.
:
448 pages : illustrations (black and white, and colour), maps, plans ; 30 cm. :
9781789259636
1789259630
Religious practice at Deir el-Medina /
:
"With few exceptions, previous research on so-called personal religion has focused on hymns preserved on stelae from Deir el-Medina. Whereas their significance as testimony of personal choice and religious belief should not be excluded, the stelae must be understood in their communal cultic context. In order to grasp individual religious practices this book seeks to broaden the scope of analysis and include the archaeological remains from the houses at Deir el-Medina. Instead of establishing individual relationships between the human and divine, it appeared that 'personal' religion sought to preserve and maintain family continuity. The ancient Egyptian concept of the continuous cycle of creation was thus appropriated at home. Whereas the king guaranteed the order of the cosmos by giving offerings to the gods in the temples, corresponding activities were performed for the well-being of the family at home"--Back cover.
:
viii, 437 pages : illustrations ; 27 cm. :
Includes bibliographical references and index. :
9789062582297 :
0927-0043 ;