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Coptic items in the Egypt Centre
The term ‘Copt’ or ‘Coptic’ was derived from the Greek word for ‘Egyptian’ and used by the Arabs to describe Egyptians who were largely Christian at the time of the Arab Conquest (AD 640). It is still used to describe Egyptian Christians.
The Christians put an end to the ancient Egyptian religion so that by the third century BC, most of the population was Christian. After the Arab Conquest, Islam held sway.
AB31 Earring with Coptic cross
IGibbs 1, Coptic stela (showing Coptic writing)
AR50/3490 Coptic fertility amulet
For selected Islamic items click here