Fearscapes cristianos en el Egipto tardoantiguo

Abstract

This paper explores one of the most interesting functions of the pagan temples and the desert as a symbolic landscape in Egyptian Hagiography. The desert represented a liminal place where pagan gods withdrew to continue polluting now in the form of demons and those temples located into this wild and chaotic geography become a perfect place to resolve the conflict between monks and demons. Demons tried to terrify to the monks, with shouts, and noises or even with physical attacks more aggressive. As a place of impiety, temples were a proof for checking their own spiritual progress in the monastic life. The brothers could learn through these accounts about temples and demons the dangers threatening their faith and the best way to defeat the devil.