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Content archived on 2024-06-18

A View from Heaven. Exploring the Potential of Remote Sensing Techniques to Study Spatial Patterns of Monastic Habitation on the East Bank of the Nile in Middle Egypt

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.

Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF
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Funding Scheme

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MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)

Coordinator

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
EU contribution
€ 220 500,00
Address
OUDE MARKT 13
3000 LEUVEN
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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