The Catacombs of Kom Esh-Shokafa
Between the ancient settlements of Karmuz and Minia el-Bassal is the rocky plateau of Kom Esh-Shogafa. The town and fishing port of Rhakotis, Alexandria’s oldest neighborhood that predates Alexander the Great, was located here. This is currently one of Alexandria’s most heavily inhabited areas, and it is here that the first catacombs were found.
The region was utilized to protect the city by Mohammad Ali Pasha, and it was demolished in 1850.
Kom Esh-ShoKafa excavations began in 1892, but no catacombs were discovered until Friday, September 28th, 1900. The tale goes that a donkey hauling a cart fell through a hole in the earth and into one of the tombs by mistake. Tourists are still told the story!
The truth, however, is completely different! Monsieur Es-Sayed Aly Gibarah, an Alexandrian mining for stone, found the genuine find. Kom el-Shuqafa, he discovered, dating from the second century AD. The catacombs are the biggest known Roman burial place in Egypt since they were designed to accommodate over 300 dead notables.
After extracting the subsoil water from the 2nd level, Kom Esh-Shokafa was only accessible to the public in 1995. On three floors, the catacombs were carved out of solid rock. Ropes were used to drop the deceased down the spiral staircase’s center well.
The entryway features two semicircular niches, each with a seat topped with a shell carved in the niche’s domed upper part. This leads to a rotunda constructed around a central well and topped with an eight-pillar domed kiosk.
The Catacombs of Kom Esh-Shokafa: A Journey into Ancient Alexandria
The Catacombs of Kom Esh-Shokafa, located in Alexandria, Egypt, are a remarkable archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the burial practices and cultural influences of ancient civilizations. This underground necropolis, dating back to the 2nd century AD, is renowned for its unique blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles and artistic motifs, reflecting the multicultural nature of Alexandria during its heyday.
Historical Background
The name “Kom Esh-Shokafa” translates to “Mound of Shards,” a reference to the fragments of pottery and terracotta that littered the area, remnants left by visitors who brought offerings of food and wine to the deceased.
The catacombs were rediscovered in 1900 when a donkey stumbled upon the entrance, leading to the excavation of this extensive burial site. Initially intended for a single family, the catacombs were expanded to accommodate a larger number of burials, ultimately serving as a public cemetery for affluent citizens of Alexandria.
Architectural Features
The Catacombs of Kom Esh-Shokafa consist of three levels, intricately carved into solid rock. The design showcases a combination of architectural elements from various cultures. The most notable feature is the Hall of Caracalla, which is adorned with elaborate reliefs and sculptures that depict scenes from mythology and daily life.
The central shaft, supported by six pillars, leads to burial chambers that contain sarcophagi and other funerary objects. Visitors descend a spiral staircase to enter the catacombs, where they are greeted by a series of chambers filled with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
The walls are decorated with symbols and scenes that reflect ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife, while also incorporating Hellenistic and Roman artistic influences. This fusion of styles is a testament to Alexandria’s role as a cultural melting pot during the Roman Empire.
Cultural Significance
The catacombs served not only as burial sites but also as places for commemorative feasts and rituals. Priests would perform offerings to honor the deceased, and the site became a focal point for the local community. The blending of different cultural practices within the catacombs illustrates the syncretism that characterized Alexandria, where diverse traditions coexisted and influenced one another.
The Catacombs of Kom Esh-Shokafa are often regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, highlighting their historical and architectural importance. They stand as a testament to the rich heritage of Alexandria, which was once a thriving center of trade, culture, and learning in the ancient world.
Preservation and Modern-Day Relevance
Today, the Catacombs of Kom Esh-Shokafa are a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe who seek to explore this unique archaeological site. Preservation efforts have been undertaken to protect the catacombs and ensure that future generations can appreciate their historical significance. The site was opened to the public in 1995, allowing for greater access to its wonders.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the catacombs continue to be a focal point for archaeological research and cultural heritage preservation. They provide invaluable insights into the burial practices, artistic expressions, and cultural interactions of ancient Alexandria, making them an essential destination for anyone interested in the history of Egypt and the Mediterranean region.
The Catacombs of Kom Esh-Shokafa are not just a burial site; they are a window into the past, revealing the complexities of life and death in ancient Alexandria. With their stunning architecture and rich cultural significance, the catacombs remain a vital part of Egypt’s historical narrative, inviting exploration and reflection on the enduring legacy of one of the world’s greatest ancient cities.
