Archaeologists unearth 1,600-year-old Christian monastic site with paintings, mysterious inscription

New video from the El Caño archaeological site in Panama shows finely crafted ceramics discovered inside a newly excavated tomb dating back more than 1,000 years. Egyptian archaeologists recently unearthed the remnants of a Christian monastic site from the 5th century, some 400 years after the time of Jesus Christ. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities wrote in a translated statement March 23 that a building was recently found in the Qallaya area in Egypt's Beheira Governorate. The structure, likely a guesthouse used to host visitors, is a remnant of the "early beginnings of Coptic monasticism," the release said. ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER GOLD-LADEN TOMB FILLED WITH ELITE BURIAL TREASURES FROM OVER 1,000 YEARS AGO Previous buildings have also been found at the site, and the newly discovered structure had 13 multipurpose rooms used for "hospitality and teaching … in addition to service facilities such as a kitchen and storage areas," officials said. The area is considered one of Egypt's significant early monastic centers. Egyptian archaeologists recently uncovered a 5th-century Christian monastic site in the Qallaya area of Beheira Governorate, officials said. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) Coptic monasticism was one of the oldest forms of organized Christian monasticism, laying the groundwork for traditions that endure to this day. DOG WALKERS TRIGGER ARCHAEOLOGICAL RACE TO PRESERVE 2,000-YEAR-OLD FOOTPRINTS IN SHIFTING SANDS Pictures from the site show ancient structures in remarkable condition, with walls and other architectural features still intact. "Excavations also revealed several architectural elements added to the building during later historical phases." The tourism ministry also shared photographs of art recently found at the site, including paintings and an inscription in early Greek. Officials believe the Greek inscription may say, "Abba Kir, son of Shenouda," suggesting it was a tombstone. "Excavations also revealed several architectural elements added to the building during later historical phases, reflecting the evolution of its use over successive periods," the statement said. An inscription in early Greek discovered at the site may reference "Abba Kir, son of Shenouda," possibly marking a tombstone. (Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities)