The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, located in الإسكندرية, Egypt, are a remarkable ancient burial site dating back to the 2nd century AD during the Roman period. Discovered accidentally in 1900 when a donkey fell into a shaft, this subterranean complex is carved deep into the bedrock and reflects a fascinating fusion of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art and funerary traditions. The name ‚Kom el Shoqafa’ means ‚Mound of Shards‘, referring to the pottery fragments found at the site, which were offerings brought by mourners. The catacombs were used for burials until the end of the 4th century AD, after which they were abandoned.
Today, the catacombs present a vast network spread across three underground levels, accessible by a spiral staircase descending more than 12 metres. Visitors encounter a labyrinth of tombs, chambers, and an ornate main burial hall rich with intricate carvings and statues. Among the most notable features is the Hall of Caracalla, named after the Roman Emperor, where animal remains linked to a massacre were found. The decorations combine Pharaonic motifs with Greco-Roman elements, illustrating how الإسكندرية was a melting pot of cultures, where Egyptian religious symbolism blended uniquely with classical styles.
Exploring the catacombs, one can see statues of the deceased depicted in the niches of the principal tomb, alongside reliefs of Anubis dressed as a Roman legionary guarding the entrance, which symbolises the merging of cultural beliefs about death and the afterlife. The catacombs also housed priests who performed rituals and offerings, potentially including mummification, as suggested by the iconography within the chambers. The vertical shaft next to the stairs was used to lower bodies into the tombs, highlighting the complex’s architectural ingenuity and the community practices around death.
This hidden necropolis remains one of الإسكندرية’s most significant historical and archaeological attractions, often regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Its combination of architectural grandeur, cultural synthesis, and mysterious atmosphere offers visitors a unique journey through time, revealing the funerary customs and artistic achievements of one of the ancient world’s greatest cities. The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa today serve as an evocative window into الإسكندرية’s layered past and its role as a cosmopolitan centre.
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
الإسكندرية
Egypt
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