Philoxenite

Philoxenite is referenced in the Encomium of Saint Menas, a Byzantine-era text that describes its construction under Justinian I (r. 527–565 CE) as a center for pilgrims travelling to Abu Mena,^[4] which had begun developing two centuries earlier, in the 4th century AD.^[3] Excavations confirm that construction began in the mid-6th century AD, with imported pottery found in its earliest foundation layers.^[1] Built on the ruins of a Roman-era settlement, the town was reportedly financed by Philoxenos, a prominent figure in Byzantine politics under Anastasius, Justin I, and Justinian.^[2] In addition to facilitating the mass pilgrimage to Abu Mena, the town also functioned as a commercial port that participated in regional trade, as evidenced by ostraca indicating the export of local goods.^[2]

Unlike other pilgrimage hubs that expanded gradually, Philoxenite was designed as a single, coordinated project, likely overseen by imperial architects from Alexandria.^[3] This planned endeavor is unique in the Byzantine world, and stands out as one of the few purpose-built Christian settlements of the Early Byzantine period.^[5]

The settlement remained active after the Arab conquest and into the early Islamic period (7th–8th centuries AD).^[1] Even after Abu Mena's decline as a pilgrimage center, Philoxenite continued to be a functioning town, with evidence of agricultural activity and irrigation systems suggesting a degree of economic self-sufficiency.^[1]

Excavations at Philoxenite have uncovered a highly structured urban design, with a significant portion of the settlement built using modular architecture. The settlement spanned around 11 hectares, featuring churches, a central street, piers and boardwalks built on the waterfront, and public facilities (including baths and latrines).^[1] Also located at the site were an agora, depositories, bakeries and a hospital.^[6] The town's northern sector, close to the lake and covering about 5 hectares, featured a structured array of modular buildings, while the southern part displayed a less structured layout, influenced by the natural terrain.^[7]

Notable structures include: a rectangular complex constructed with limestone pseudo-ashlars in an opus isodomum style, which was divided into separate units, each with a staircase to an upper floor, possibly serving as accommodation or storage spaces (Building S3);^[8] Long, narrow structures separated by streets, following standardized layouts similar to Roman-era markets and warehouses (in Areas W1 and W5);^[9] and a dual bathhouse with two identical frigidaria, possibly designed for gender segregation, mirroring the great bath built by Justinian at Abu Mena (Bath Complex T2).^[10]

• Gwiazda, Mariusz (2023). "Modular designs at the Early Byzantine pilgrimage site of Philoxenite, Egypt". Journal of Roman Archaeology. 36 (1): 196–214. doi:10.1017/S1047759423000120.
• Gwiazda, Mariusz; Kotarba-Morley, Anna M.; Derda, Tomasz (2024). "An Archaeological Assessment of Parameters of Attractiveness of the Byzantine Port of Philoxenite, Lake Mareotis, on the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt". International Journal of Nautical Archaeology: 1–22. doi:10.1080/10572414.2024.2391839.