A history
Excavations of Abu Mena began in 1905 but only lasted two years due to a lack of money. Abu Mena, having been a holy place, had been hiding a large basilica church that seemed to have housed the remains of saints as well as Roman baths. The most recent excavations, occurring around 1998, brought forth the discovery of a dormitory for the poor, with separate wings for men, women, and children. Archaeologists also discovered that what was used as a courtyard for these pilgrims may have originally been a graveyard. Lastly a complex of wine presses was found, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. Many interesting things have been discovered, helping archaeologists uncover the history of Abu Mena, however a lack of money is preventing them from further studies of the area. And, with the current circumstances, the site may be destroyed before it can finished being studied.