An Ampulla of Saint Menas from Dara (Anastasiopolis)

A recently discovered Menas ampulla from the Agora excavations in Dara (Anastasiopolis), dating between 620 and 640 AD, provides tangible evidence of the city's historical connection to Egypt and Abu Mina, a significant Christian pilgrimage site. These small terracotta flasks, typically adorned with depictions of Saint Menas flanked by camels, were produced in Abu Mina and carried holy water or oil by pilgrims returning from their journeys. The ampulla's excavation stratigraphy confirms its late date, offering insights into the enduring influence of Abu Mina during Late Antiquity (500–640 AD) and the broader network of Christian devotion across regions.

Metin, H. (2025). An Ampulla of Saint Menas from Dara (Anastasiopolis). Art-Sanat, 0(23), 64–78. https://doi.org/10.26650/artsanat.2025.23.0004