Lesson plan

Enaton

The Enaton (or Ennaton, Hennaton) was a monastic district in Egypt during the Middle Ages. It lasted into the 15th century, but it was at its height between the 5th and 7th centuries. It takes its name, which means "ninth" (Greek ἔνατον), from its location at the ninth milestone southwest of Alexandria along the coastal road. The Enaton was composed of distinct monasteries and cells which elected a common hegumen (leader). Theologically, the Enaton was Miaphysite. In its heyday, the district was international in character, comprising both Copts and Syriacs. It was a waystation (Roman mutatio) for travellers from Alexandria to the monasteries of the Nitrian Desert and the monastery of Saint Mina. It probably served as an inn or hostel for pilgrims, tourists, merchants and their animals.

Back to article

Article summary

The Enaton (or Ennaton, Hennaton) was a monastic district in Egypt during the Middle Ages. It lasted into the 15th century, but it was at its height between the 5th and 7th centuries. It takes its name, which means "ninth" (Greek ἔνατον), from its location at the ninth milestone southwest of Alexandria along the coastal road. The Enaton was composed of distinct monasteries and cells which elected a common hegumen (leader). Theologically, the Enaton was Miaphysite. In its heyday, the district was international in character, comprising both Copts and Syriacs. It was a waystation (Roman mutatio) for travellers from Alexandria to the monasteries of the Nitrian Desert and the monastery of Saint Mina. It probably served as an inn or hostel for pilgrims, tourists, merchants and their animals.

Key claims

No claims recorded.

Discussion questions

  1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
  2. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
  3. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

No sources recorded.

Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.