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Egypt

Kellis

Village with mud brick structures and temples.

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

Location

About

Ancient Kellis, known today as Ismant el-Kharab, was an important village in Upper Egypt during the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The site, located in the Dakhleh Oasis, was constructed primarily from mud bricks and spanned approximately 1,050 meters in length and 650 meters in width. Key features include the Temple of Tutu and three churches, notably the Small East Church, reputed as the oldest known church building in Egypt. The village thrived with small businesses such as weaving and pottery-making. Occupation began in the late Ptolemaic Period and continued until its abandonment after 392 CE. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous artifacts, including wooden books and mummified remains, offering insights into the coexistence of Manichaean and Christian communities in the region.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Kellis

FileKellis_2004_XXXIX_4663351701.jpg

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Burial and Funerary Structures

Cemeteries

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesChurches

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Villages

Historical Timeline

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Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Egypt
Source
Wikipedia