Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa - ancient Egypt’s hidden history :

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa  (Mound of Shards), a historical archaeological site located in Alexandria, Egypt. The site is also known as the 'Hill of Treasure', regarded as a huge necropolis and royal cemetery that dates back to 2nd Century AD. The necropolis has a unique mixture of Roman,  Hellenistic and pharaonic art elements reflected in paintings on the wall and style of the statues, funeral objects and tombs. It is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. The structure was re-discovered in September 1900 AD, when a donkey treading about in Alexandria’s outskirts found itself on unstable ground. Unable to regain its balance, the unfortunate explorer plummeted into the access shaft of the ancient tomb.

The underground catacombs are a bit scary; the scene of the carved stone tombs next to each other gives the illusion of sincere horror, but at the same time historical atmosphere. The Ptolemaic is Hellenistic kingdom that was based in Egypt, who followed the steps of ancient Egyptians of constructing underground hidden tombs for pharaohs and their wives. Ptolemaic were so affected by the Egyptians, they believed in their concepts about death, after life journey and gods, and this is very shown in the catacombs that shows the pharaonic identity beside the Roman character.

The catacombs are serial of Alexandrian tombs reach deep under the ground, consists of three levels of 35 meters burial chambers cut into bedrocks. There is a rounded entrance leads to the catacombs levels; the third level is flooded by ground water leaks, and cannot be accessed. People usually enter the catacombs by rounded shaft with staircases lead to the principle tomb and the center piece which is an antechamber with columns. This center piece leads to inner sanctum. The antechamber is covered by cravings for Egyptian god Anubis (the god of dead) dressed like Romans, and some statue for Romans emperors who ruled Egypt during this period.

The antechamber maybe the major sight of the catacombs and the most important for having all the decorations and statues. Also, There are two passages lead to the Hall of Caracalla which has its own staircases. one of  the catacombs main feature, are the two tombs of emperor Tigrane and wardian which are located few meters from the entrance.

#archaeohistories

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