The catacombs at Kom El-Shoqafa are the reason why the area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ancient Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa include a wide variety of fascinating artifacts, including Pharaonic and Roman monuments dedicated to the memory of the deceased. When a donkey accidentally fell into an underground hole in the year 1900, archaeologists discovered rock-cut tombs and burial chambers.
Location:
You may see some Roman remains that date back to the time of Alexander the Great at the port city of Roman Alexandria, which is located three hours north of Cairo. The historical Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are located in close proximity to the renowned Corniche in the city of Alexandria (seafront).
History:
The Catacombs were discovered for the first time by a group of archaeologists. This occurred in the second century after the Common Era.
They may be discovered around 30 metres (about 100 feet) below the water’s surface. In the dining area of the chamber, surviving members of the deceased’s families would share meals and remember their loved ones.
Egyptian, Roman, and Greek architectural features were used in the construction of the tombs so as to pay homage to the ancient civilizations that once flourished in Egypt. Scholars decided to honour the Roman emperor Caracalla by naming the structure “Hall of Caracalla.” Caracalla was responsible for the deaths of a large number of children in Alexandria in the year 215 AD.
Wine jars and plates were the first artefacts unearthed by archaeologists in the Triclinium. This was the location where people congregated on stone couches to honour the deceased.
The entrance to the Central Tomb is defended by reliefs depicting bearded serpents carrying shields topped with the heads of Medusas. It was constructed in the second century AD, at a time when “the ancient religions started to mix and split apart.” It is adorned with sculptures of Sobek and Anubis, both of whom are clad in Roan armour that is chained and formed of muscle (Forster).
The lowest floor of Goddess Nemesis Hall was submerged in water after a flood that occurred. This has the effect of hastening the catacombs’ disintegration.
