The Formation of Coptic National Identity in Late Antique Egypt

The present article aims to summarize factors which led to the formation of Coptic identity in Late Ancient Egypt. The main aim of the paper is to deal with the most important issues which were shaping this unique Christian culture in Egypt. One can trace not only the rudiments of the Coptic Orthodox Church, but Christianity in Africa in general in Egypt in Late antiquity. The first part consists of abrief introduction to the period of Egyptian history when Christianity emerged in Alexandria and its relationship with the local Jewish community. The second part engages with Shenoute of Atripe who is considered the first Coptic nationalist and the most famous Coptic writer. The third part outlines how to determine the establishment of the Coptic Church as anational church. Anti-Chalcedonian polemic is of cardinal importance for solving this problem.