Coptic architecture

Christian Egyptian architecture consisting of cenobitic cells, funerary monuments, and monastic and urban churches. The Coptic Church developed separately from 451. Among the most impressive works of Coptic architecture is the Cathedral at Hermopolis Magna (c.430–40), with an apse, apsidal transepts, a gallery, and an atrium. The three apses recur at the White and Red Monasteries, near Sohag (C5 and C6 respectively). The basilican plan with variations was used, and capitals based on Corinthian and Byzantine basket types recurred. Domes and vaults were commonly employed (e.g. the Holy Martyrs, Esna (C11), and the monastery of Deïr-el-Baramus, Wadi Natrun (C12) ). See also ethiopian architecture.

Bibliography

• A. Butler (1970)
• Krautheimer (1986)
• Jane Turner (1996)

The full bibliography for this book is available to download as a pdf file.
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