Africa as the Intellectual Center of Christianity in Late-Antiquity: 4th Century Egypt

Abstract

Ancient Egypt is generally known for the history of the Dynastic period.  However, even in Antiquity, the history of this African country has much more to tell us. A commonly unknown period of Egyptian Ancient history is the 4th century, when Egypt became the intellectual center of Christianity. During the 4th century, Egypt witnessed some of the most important religious controversies and discussions that shaped essential Christian dogmas, such as the divinity of Christ. In addition, Egypt was the place where Athanasius, one of the most significant theologians of the first centuries, performed his pastoral work. 4th century Egypt also witnessed the birth and development of monasticism, a fundamental reality for medieval Christianity, being a role model for many important Western monastic movements, such as that founded years later by Benedict of Nursia. It was therefore in Egypt, in Africa, that some of the most important Christian and Western Civilization elements came into being. This article thus demonstrates how Egypt was the intellectual center of Christianity in the 4th century, with its cutting-edge theological discussions and the emergence of monasticism.