Areligious doctrine that combined elements of Christianity and Platonist Greek philosophy. These beliefs were later deemed heretical by the orthodox Christian church, and gnostic texts were proscribed. The discovery of gnostic texts in Egypt written in Coptic, notably at Nag Hammadi, have enabled gnostic beliefs to be better understood.
See also Manicheism; Religion.
Historical Dictionary Of Ancient Egypt by Morris L. Bierbrier
Ancient Egypt. A Reference Guide. EdwART. 2011.