The Archaeology of Pilgrimage: Abu Mina and Beyond

Abu Mena, a renowned Christian pilgrimage site in Egypt, offers unprecedented insights into Late Antique piety through its dense archaeological remains. Unlike other sites, Abu Mena stands out for the variety and volume of pilgrim souvenirs found, alongside architectural structures. However, this study challenges the assumption that Abu Mena represents a universal model by comparing it with other major eastern Mediterranean pilgrimage sites. The research reveals no consistent pattern in site organization or souvenir production across these locations, highlighting the diversity of late antique pilgrimage practices.

Bangert, S. (2010). THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF PILGRIMAGE: ABU MINA AND BEYOND. Late Antique Archaeology, 6(1), 291–327. https://doi.org/10.1163/22134522-90000138