St. Catherine Monastery, Mount Sinai, Egypt

The history of Sinai Monasticism dates back to the 3rd century. Its prominence grew under Byzantine Emperor Justinian (527–565 AD), who built a basilica at the site of the Burning Bush, where Moses encountered God and received the Ten Commandments. Remarkably, the monastery has never been destroyed, preserving its distinct Greek and Roman heritage.

Saint Catherine, born in Alexandria in the late 3rd century, was renowned for her beauty, noble birth, and extensive learning. Converted to Christianity, she defended her faith against Emperor Maxentius, converting his rhetoricians before being martyred. Angels carried her body to Mount Saint Catherine, later moved to Sinai’s monastery, now named in her honor.  

Main Purposes of Working on this Site:

1. To Document the Expedition’s Contributions:

• To outline the scholarly achievements of the expedition, including narrowing the dating of the monastery’s construction and producing scientific studies of the church and its artifacts.
• The process emphasizes the significance of preserving cultural heritage through careful documentation and restoration efforts.

2. To Highlight the Monastery’s Historical and Artistic Value:

• The monastery’s unique position as one of the oldest active Christian sites and its rich collection of Byzantine art and manuscripts are showcased.
• The connection to Emperor Justinian the Great and Empress Theodora underscores the site’s historical importance.

3. To Promote Collaboration and Scholarly Dissemination:

• The contribution of Forsyth’s highlights the international collaboration between the University of Michigan, Princeton University, and the University of Alexandria.
• Archaeological and architectural findings are published through National Geographic and the Dumbarton Oaks Center, illustrating the project’s impact on Byzantine studies.

4. Advocate for Preservation:

• By detailing the discovery and stabilization of the fragile Transfiguration mosaic, Forsyth project advocated for the urgent and ongoing need to preserve historical artifacts.