Pilgrims from the Province of Scythia

Archaeological evidence from eight ampullae unearthed in Scythia reveals sustained Christian pilgrimage activity during the late 6th and early 7th centuries, despite political instability. These small ceramic containers, likely used to transport holy water or oil from Abu Mena (Egypt) and Asia Minor, were found across five urban centers along the Lower Danube limes and Black Sea coast. The discovery underscores the resilience of pilgrimage traditions in Scythia during a turbulent period, challenging assumptions about its decline amid the fall of the Danubian limes.

Aparaschivei, D. (2025). Pilgrims from the Province of Scythia. Frontière·S, Supplément 3. https://doi.org/10.4000/14dyj