The discovery was made by a mission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities working at the Al-Qalaya site in Hosh Issa. The building, unearthed within the Al-Ruba’iyat area, is believed to reflect early developments in monastic architecture and communal religious life in Egypt. According to Hisham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the council, the find represents an important addition to the study of early monastic architecture in the country. Among the notable artworks is a mural illustrating two gazelles surrounded by vegetal decorations and a symbolic circular motif, reflecting the richness of early Coptic artistic expression. One of the most remarkable discoveries is a rectangular limestone slab bearing a Coptic inscription believed to be a funerary stele.

Source: Daily News Egypt March 23, 2026 16:19 UTC