The fact that the monasteries in Egypt were founded in the immediate vicinity of the river Nile brings into question the classification of a greater number of monasteries as „dessert monasteries“. The meaning of the word „dessert“ here is metaphorical and it relates primarily to a monastic way of life. In accordance with the metaphorical meaning of the dessert, we would consider the first Egyptian dessert monastic communities in Nitria, Kellia and Scetis.