Objetivo
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.
Ámbito científico
- humanitieshistory and archaeologyhistory
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesphysical geographycartographygeographic information systems
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technology
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringremote sensing
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencedata processing
Tema(s)
Convocatoria de propuestas
FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria
Régimen de financiación
MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF)Coordinador
3000 Leuven
Bélgica