#monasticism

#monasticism

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.

Governed by strict adherence to fixed times, the daily prayers sung by religious men and women were at the heart of monastic life in the Middle Ages. Each day, religious houses would resonate with the unified voices of their faithful inhabitants, who would sing prayers at different hours throughout the day, beginning in the early morning and continuing into the night.

Edel Bhreathnach's Monasticism in Ireland, AD 900-1250 explores the functioning of monasteries during a period of major change, questioning the true nature of the monastic church.