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Full Description
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.The 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.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.
Contents
Dedication
Preface
Acknowledgements
Map of the Great Oasis: Kharga and Dakhleh
Introduction
Area A Enclosure and the East Churches
The West Church Complex and its Surrounds
The Cemeteries
The State of Preservation
Excavation and Recording
Arrangement of the Volume
The Presentation of the Ceramics by Colin A. Hope
Section I: The Small East Church
Excavation History
Architectural Description
Stratigraphy
Wall Paintings
Late Activity
Finds
Discussion
Pottery Figures
Section II: The Large East Church
Excavation History
Architectural Description
Stratigraphy
Late Activity
Wall Paintings
Finds
Discussion
Pottery Figures
Section III: The West Church Complex
Excavation History
Architectural Description
Stratigraphy
Late Activity
Finds
Discussion
Pottery Figures
Section IVA: Enclosure 4 Cemetery
Enclosure 4
Excavation History
Enclosure 4 Graves
West Church Graves
Building A
Other Features
Finds
Discussion
Section IVB: Christian Burials in North Tomb 1
Excavation History
The Graves
Finds
Discussion
Section IVC: Kellis 2 Cemetery
Excavation History
Architectural and Burial Description
Tomb Enclosure Discussion
Burials in Coffins
Burials with Large Ceramic Vessels
Multiple Burials
Burials with Red Clay Inclusions
Body Treatment
Wrappings
Finds
Discussion
Discussion: Kellis in Context
Evidence for the Arrival of Christians at Kellis and Trimithis
Christians in Kharga
Manichaean or Mainstream Christians
Demise of the Traditional Religion at Kellis
The Christian Presence in Dakhleh
The Survival of Christianity in the Oasis
The Legacy of Kellis
Appendices
1. Catalogue of Coins
2. Personal Names on the Ostraka from the West Church Complex
3. Catalogue of Fragments of Garments from the Kellis 2 Graves by Rosanne Livingstone
4. Publications on the Bioarchaeology of Kellis
Bibliography
Colour Plates
