| Provincia Thebais Θηβαΐς ἐπαρχία Θηβαΐδος | |
|---|---|
| Province of theByzantine Empire,Diocese of Egypt | |
| c. 293–641 | |
| Capital | Ptolemais |
| Historical era | Late Antiquity |
• Division by emperorDiocletian | c. 293 |
| 612–628 | |
• Conquest by Arabs | 641 |
| Today part of | Egypt |
TheThebaid orThebais (Ancient Greek:Θηβαΐς,Thēbaïs) was aregion inancient Egypt, comprising the 13 southernmostnomes ofUpper Egypt, fromAbydos toAswan.[1]
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The Thebaid acquired its name from its proximity to the ancient Egyptian capital ofThebes (Luxor). During the Ancient Egyptian dynasties this region was dominated by Thebes and its priesthood at the temple of Amun atKarnak.
InPtolemaic Egypt, the Thebaid formed a single administrative district under theEpistrategos of Thebes, who was also responsible for overseeing navigation in theRed Sea and theIndian Ocean. The capital ofPtolemaic Thebaid wasPtolemais Hermiou, a Hellenistic colony on the Nile which served as the center of royal political and economic control inUpper Egypt.
During theRoman Empire,Diocletian created the province ofThebais, guarded by thelegionsIMaximiana Thebanorum andIIFlavia Constantia. This was later divided into Upper (Latin:Thebais Superior,Greek:Ἄνω Θηβαΐς,Anō Thēbaïs), comprising the southern half with its capital at Thebes, and Lower or Nearer (Latin:Thebais Inferior,Greek:Θηβαΐς Ἐγγίστη,Thēbaïs Engistē), comprising the northern half with capital atPtolemais.
Around the 5th century, since it was adesert, the Thebaid became a place of retreat of a number of Christianhermits, and was the birthplace ofPachomius.[2] InChristian art, the Thebaid was represented as a place with numerous monks.
Ancient episcopal sees ofThebais Prima (Thebaid I) listed in theAnnuario Pontificio as Catholictitular sees:[3]
Ancient episcopal sees ofThebais Secunda (Thebaid II) listed in theAnnuario Pontificio as Catholictitular sees:[3]
Anatole France's novel,Thaïs, opens on a monastic and ascetic community along the Nile, in Thebaid.
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