Home to the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America.

Coptic Period Overview

The Coptic Period

395 – 642 CE

Christianity came to Egypt early in the form of the evangelist Mark. Having been repressed under Roman rule for so long the Egyptians responded well to a religion that promised paradise in the hereafter.

The Egyptian Christians, called Copts, maintained many ancient forms of worship and mixed pagan traditions of ancient Egypt, including music and incense, with the new Christian religion. Even today, the spoken language used in the Coptic Church is effectively ancient Egyptian.

During the Coptic Period, Christians, Jews, and pagans lived together in mostly peaceful coexistence.

3D Model Coptic Cross on Sketchfab


Monuments: Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Saints Sergius and Bacchus ChurchThe Hanging Church, and the White Monastery.

Artifacts from the Coptic Period

The Coptic Period Overview Video

Interactive Map