Ancient Christian ruins discovered in Egypt reveal 'nature of monastic life'

Archaeologists unearth monks' cells and churches with biblical inscriptions dating back to fourth century AD

A French-Norwegian archaeological team has discovered new Christian ruins in Egypt's Western Desert, revealing monastic life in the region in the fifth century AD, the Egyptian antiquities ministry said.

The French-Norwegian mission discovered during its third excavation campaign at the site of Tal Ganoub Qasr al-Agouz in the Bahariya Oasis several buildings made of basalt, others carved into the bedrock and some made of mud bricks," it said in a statement on Saturday.