---
title: Ivory Pyxis Depicting Saint Menas
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5726/ivory-pyxis-depicting-saint-menas/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Ivory Pyxis Depicting Saint Menas

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Ivory Pyxis Depicting Saint Menas](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5726.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5726.jpg)

## Image Caption

This ivory pyxis (round box) shows the saint Menas with camels. His shrine near [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/) in [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/) was a popular pilgrim site in the [Byzantine Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Byzantine_Empire/). Menas, an [Egyptian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Egyptian/) soldier, was executed by Emperor [Diocletian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Diocletian/) (reigned 284-305 CE) for practising [Christianity](https://www.worldhistory.org/christianity/). When the camels carrying his body to [burial](https://www.worldhistory.org/burial/) refused to move beyond a certain spot, it was taken as a sign that he should be buried there. [Byzantine](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Byzantine/), 6th century CE. Made in Alexandria, Egypt. Found in [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/), [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/), San Paolo Fuori le Mura. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2016, September 25). Ivory Pyxis Depicting Saint Menas. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5726/ivory-pyxis-depicting-saint-menas/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Ivory Pyxis Depicting Saint Menas." *World History Encyclopedia*, September 25, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5726/ivory-pyxis-depicting-saint-menas/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Ivory Pyxis Depicting Saint Menas." *World History Encyclopedia*, 25 Sep 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5726/ivory-pyxis-depicting-saint-menas/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 25 September 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.