Dayr Al-Nasara

              (CE:847a-847b)
DAYR AL-NASARA (Antinoopolis). [This entry consists of two brief parts—the location and condition of the dayr as reported by those who actually saw the place, and a few facts about the architecture.]

History

This complex of ruins is on a rocky spur almost 4 miles (about 7 km) northeast of the ruins of ANTINOOPOLIS, in the angle of the amphitheater formed by the Arabian chain where it rises perpendicularly above the Nile. The town of Antinoë occupies approximately the center. It was seen by M. Jomard (Description d'Egypte, 1822-1828, Vol. 4, pl. 541), who gave a good description at a time when it was in a better state than it is today.

G. Wilkinson (1843, Vol. 2, pp. 60-61) also saw it, although he named it Dayr al-Dik and noted on the lower level a cave with an engraved cross. This is no doubt the same one published with greater care by S. Donadoni (1950, Vol. 2, pp. 481-82). It appears that the excavations by Albert GAYET were carried out at the necropolis of Dayr al-Nasara, and not, as he wrote, at the site of Dayr al-Dik (cf. Martin, 1971, p. 9, n. 1).
RENÉ-GEORGES COQUIN
MAURICE MARTIN, S.J.

Architecture

The layout of the courtyard is adapted to the contours of the terrain and is surrounded on all sides by rooms, single and in series. What remains of an entrance may be discerned in the northeast corner. The badly ruined little church, which, to judge by the capitals strewn about, was designed as a basilica, is on the east side of the courtyard. All that is left visible are bits of the apse, the forechoir, and a few side rooms. More accommodation for monks is found in the neighboring caves.
PETER GROSSMANN