Monks among the Tombs: Adaptation and Visibility in the Late Antique Western Thebes (Upper Egypt)

The transformation of Pharaonic tombs into Christian hermitages and monastic dwellings is a defining feature of the monastic landscape in the Theban Necropolis, located on the west bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt. This paper will briefly outline the final results of long-term research—initiated by former field director Tomasz Górecki under the auspices of the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology—concerning the various phases of adaptation, reuse, and devotional practices that took place inside and around the two Middle Kingdom tombs, MMA 1151 and 1152, since the 5th century onward. This case study offers an entry point for exploring broader patterns of monastic occupation and connectivity across Western Thebes. Particular attention will be paid to the question of intervisibility between hermitages and other monastic sites, such as Qurnet Murai, the hill of Sheikh Abd el-Gurna, and even parts closer to the Nile Valley. This aspect sheds light on the potential for visual contact and mutual awareness among dispersed monastic dwellings, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the spatial dynamics and social fabric of the local monastic network.