The art of Egypt

Though Egypt is situated in Africa, it was also a key part of the development of the ancient Mediterranean.

c. 2649 B.C.E.–7th century C.E.

Beginner's Guide

What is Egypt?

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The Red Monastery, Sohag
The Red Monastery, Sohag

Within the Red Monastery is an unparalleled example of a brightly painted "jeweled style" church.

Ancient Egyptian religious life and afterlife
Ancient Egyptian religious life and afterlife

Ancient Egyptian religious beliefs created a fascinating foundation for their unique society.

Abu Mena
Abu Mena

The church, baptistry, basilicas, public buildings, streets, monasteries, houses and workshops in this early Christian holy city were built over the tomb of the martyr Menas of Alexandria, who died in 296 C.E

Glass dish, Coptic
Glass dish, Coptic

Beautiful glass was popular from ancient Egypt into the Coptic period

Byzantine Egypt and the Coptic period, an introduction
Byzantine Egypt and the Coptic period, an introduction

In the course of the fourth and fifth centuries C.E., Christians transformed the architectural landscape of pharaonic Egypt by building monumental churches, martyrs’ shrines, and monasteries

Coptic silk panel
Coptic silk panel

By the seventh and eighth centuries in Egypt, patterns on the highest-quality silk panels had become extremely sophisticated and complex

Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt

The arts of ancient Egypt have conceptual, thematic, and stylistic connections to Africa, Mediterranean cultures, and the Islamic world.

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