ABU MINA

Abu Mina: translation

   Amajor pilgrimage site and town on the edge of the western Delta southwest of Alexandria built over the supposed burial place of the Christian martyr St. Menas. It was begun in the fourth century and consisted of a series of churches and buildings, including the Great Basilica, the largest church in Egypt. Abu Mina was destroyed by Persian invaders about 619 AD but was partially rebuilt and occupied until the 11th century. It was initially cleared in 1905–1907 and more recently has been excavated by a German expedition since 1961. The site is the origin of the many St. Menas pottery flasks that contained holy water.