Byzantine-era monastic compound unearthed in Upper Egypt

"The foundations of several buildings made of mudbrick were unearthed, evidence of a self-sustaining residential community that sheds new light on early Christian monastic life in the region. Details of the architectural remains point to a well-planned complex. Mohamed Abdel-Badei, head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector, said the mission uncovered rectangular mudbrick buildings oriented west to east, with dimensions ranging from about 8 by 7 metres to 14 by 8 metres."

"The structures include rectangular halls, some featuring apses or niches likely designated for worship, alongside small vaulted rooms believed to have served as monks' cells and spaces for devotion. The walls still preserve traces of plaster, with niches and wall recesses clearly visible, while the floors were finished with plaster layers. Some buildings also include southern courtyards with entrances, as well as the remains of small circular structures thought to have functioned as communal dining tables for the monks."

A Byzantine-era monastic complex was excavated at Al-Qarya bi-Al-Duweir in Upper Egypt, revealing multiple mudbrick buildings forming a self-sustaining residential community. Rectangular structures oriented west–east measure roughly 8x7 m to 14x8 m and include halls with apses or niches for worship, small vaulted rooms used as monks' cells and devotion spaces, and plastered walls and floors with visible niches and recesses. Some buildings have southern courtyards and small circular remains interpreted as communal dining tables. The largest mudbrick building, about 14x10 m, served as a church with nave, choir, sanctuary, central dome supported by mudbrick pillars, and a semi-circular sanctuary with two side chambers. Red-brick and limestone basins coated with red plaster and storage amphorae with Coptic inscriptions indicate water management and daily household or industrial activities.

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