How did Christians in Egypt commemorate their dead between the fourth and eighth centuries? And what impact did this have on daily life? Questions that are central to the assigned project of the Van Moorsel and Rijnierse Foundation, round 2025. This is the first in-depth research on the subject.
The Assigned Project
Commemoration of the Dead in Late Antique Egypt
Dr. E.M. Mazy, UvA
This project is the first in-depth study of how Christians in Egypt commemorated the dead between the 4th and 8th centuries. The aim is to understand how these commemoration practices influenced peoples lives, both individually and in society. The project will describe the commemoration practices, the socioeconomic impact on the daily lives of individuals and communities, and the connection to public festivals. It will also shed light on underrepresented groups such as women and laypeople and provide new insights into broader Mediterranean practices.
About Van Moorsel and Rijnierse
The Van Moorsel and Rijnierse Foundation aims to promote innovative research into Christianity in Egypt and the Nile Valley, specifically Coptic Orthodox Christianity. To promote this goal, the foundation provides funding to talented researchers at the early stages of their academic careers.
The resources for this funding instrument are provided by the foundation and come from the legacy of Johanna Adriana Rijnierse. Mrs. Rijnierse made a significant contribution to the work of Paul Petrus Vitalis van Moorsel, professor of Early Christian and later Coptic art history at Leiden University. It was Mrs. Rijnierses intention to promote the continuation of work in Van Moorsels field with her legacy.
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