Definition: A Pachomian monastery is a type of early Christian (2rd-4th century AD) residence for monks founded by the Coptic monk Pachomius (292-346 AD). Pachomius decided monks would be better off leading communal (cenobitical) rather than separate (eremitical) lives. Eventually eleven (nine for men and two for women) monasteries (the Koinonia) were established in upper Egypt. The Nag Hammadi manuscripts were discovered in a cliffside near the Tabennesi, Phbow and Sheneset monasteries, and based on the language and date of the papyri, may have been placed there by the brothers.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
Examples:
Tabennesi, Phbow, Shmin, Thmoushons, Sheneset, and Thbew (all members of the Koinonia)
