Objective Early Egyptian monasticism played a defining role in the establishment of monastic life in Europe. However, our understanding of the history of the formation and organization of monastic life in Egypt itself is incomplete. Whereas monastic centres in northern and southern Egypt are being extensively studied, the important region of Middle Egypt has scarcely received scholarly attention. From AD 300-800, this area had a thriving Christian life and a large number of monastic settlements. On the east bank of the Nile, monks settled mainly in Pharaonic tombs and quarries in the chain of hills hugging the river. They adapted the spaces to their needs and established communities. Most of these dwellings are still relatively intact. Since written documentation is scarce, this archaeological material presents a unique opportunity to complete our picture of the formation and organization of early Egyptian monasticism. A comprehensive study is necessary to understand how and when this monastic landscape took shape. Why did it assume its specific spatial pattern and how did it function, locally and in a wider sense? To answer this composite question, I intend to acquire skills in the interpretation of satellite imagery for the localization of sites and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for integrated spatial data processing. An innovative interdisciplinary approach is essential to establish the intra- and intersite patterns of these monastic habitations. In conjunction with historical research and field survey, a view from heaven through satellite remote sensing (RS) will draw a map of the monastic landscape as a starting point for innovative site location modelling analyses using GIS techniques. Known historical data will be projected upon this new contextual backcloth to generate a new understanding of the development of monasticism in Egypt. Fields of science humanitieshistory and archaeologyhistorynatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesphysical geographycartographygeographic information systemsengineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technologyengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringremote sensingnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencedata processing Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF - Marie Curie Action: "Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN EU contribution € 220 500,00 Address OUDE MARKT 13 3000 Leuven Belgium See on map Region Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Stijn Delauré (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
