Why did Memphis begin to decline after the rise of Christianity in Egypt?

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Memphis, Egypt: colossal statue of Ramses II — Memphis Colossal statue of Ramses II, carved from limestone, that once adorned the great temple of Ptah in Memphis, Egypt.

The decline of Memphis began in the Roman period, significantly accelerated by the rise of Christianity in Egypt. As the new faith gained prominence, zealots targeted the city's remaining pagan temples, leading to their defacement and destruction.1

This religious shift further manifested in the landscape; by the 5th century ce, the Christian monastery of Apa Jeremias was established among the city's ancient tombs. While Memphis had previously served as a vital provincial capital, these actions contributed to its ongoing deterioration, which ultimately culminated in the city's abandonment following the Muslim conquest of Egypt in 640 ce.1