Egyptian archaeologists have uncovered a two-level mud-brick building in Manqabad, Assiut, believed to date back to the 6th or 7th century AD. The excavation features murals of Joseph and Jesus Christ that offer a rare glimpse into the rich religious heritage of Coptic Egypt. The excavation, part of the Supreme Council of Antiquities’ ongoing efforts to support archaeological research, is being carried out under the supervision of Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy. The site, located about 12 kilometers northwest of Assiut City and 22 kilometers from Assiut International Airport, was first identified in 1965. Excavations officially began in 1976, with intermittent work continuing until 2010. Egyptian teams resumed digging in 2024.
Two-level structure reveals early Christian symbols
Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the building was covered in white mortar and features two distinct levels. Researchers uncovered several murals with strong symbolic and spiritual significance inside. One prominent mural depicts multiple eyes surrounding a central face, which is a theme linked to Coptic Christian art. Experts interpret the image as a symbol of spiritual vision and inner awareness, representing wisdom and attentiveness in matters of faith. Another mural shows the face of a man holding a small child. Archaeologists believe the figures likely represent Joseph the Carpenter carrying
Jesus Christ . Faded images of Christ’s disciples appear on either side, along with accompanying Coptic inscriptions.
Detailed site layout points to possible communal use
Dr. Gamal Mustafa, head of the Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish Antiquities Sector at the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, provided details on the structure’s layout. The upper level includes three parallel halls followed by two adjoining rooms. A staircase leads to a lower level containing three small cells and two larger rooms, suggesting the building may have served a religious or communal purpose. Several
artifacts were also recovered at the site. Among the most notable is a tombstone inscribed in Coptic, bearing the name of a saint and the date of his death. The team also found various cenotaphs, some with inscriptions, as well as a carved stone panel featuring images of a gazelle and a lion. Various pottery vessels of different shapes and uses were also unearthed. Mahmoud Mohamed, director general of the East Assiut Antiquities Zone, said the excavation is ongoing. Researchers are currently analyzing the murals to gain further insight into their meaning and the building’s historical role. He emphasized the importance of the site, which lies southwest of the expressway connecting the region, noting its potential to deepen understanding of early Christian life and architecture in Upper Egypt.
