Episcopal networks and authority in late antique Egypt : bishops of the Theban region at work

Abstract

This PhD-dissertation examines the social networks of the

bishops Abraham of Hermonthis (ca. 590-621) and Pesynthius of Koptos

(599-632) and the nature of their authority. They represented a relatively

new, anti-Chalcedonian church hierarchy, which became the forerunner of the present-day Coptic Orthodox Church. As monk-bishops Abraham and Pesynthius resided in monasteries. Since Abraham was also abbot of the Monastery of St Phoibammon in Western Thebes, he lived there. Pesynthius usually lived in a monastery in the mountain of Tsenti, near modern Naqada, but during the Persian occupation of Egypt he stayed in Western Thebes as well. They fulfilled their office, while being supported by a network that connected eight monastic communities in the districts of Hermonthis and Koptos, but centered on Western Thebes. This book examines how Abraham and Pesynthius contributed to the success of the Theodosian church in the Theban region, the area from Huw almost to Esna, by analyzing their networks and use of authority. By means of a papyrological approach four datasets were prepared for the study of the bishops’ common (Theodosian and Theban) networks in ca. 600-630, their individual networks, and a topographical network, in order to establish the reach of their social ties.