The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are a three-level underground burial complex in Alexandria, carved into limestone during the 2nd century AD and rediscovered by accident in 1900. The site blends Egyptian and Greco-Roman funerary art, including depictions of the god Anubis dressed in Roman armor, and is reached by a spiral staircase descending through the rock.
Key Takeaways
- The catacombs date to the 2nd century AD, the Roman period in Egypt, and were discovered by accident in 1900.
- Their name, “Kom El Shoqafa,” means “Mound of Shards,” after broken funeral pottery once found at the site.
- The complex has three underground levels reached by a spiral staircase carved into limestone.
- Wall carvings blend Egyptian and Greco-Roman art, including Anubis depicted in Roman armor.
- The Hall of Caracalla is believed to be a mass burial site linked to Emperor Caracalla’s reign.
Discovery and History
The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa sit in the Karmouz district of Alexandria City, about 5 kilometers southwest of the city center. The necropolis was discovered by accident in 1900 and dates to the 2nd century AD, during the Roman period in Egypt. The name “Kom El Shoqafa” translates to “Mound of Shards,” referring to broken clay vessels mourners left behind after funerals as part of ancient burial rituals. The tomb was originally built for a wealthy family and later expanded into a multi-level burial site shared by others of high status.
Layout and Architecture
Visitors descend a spiral staircase carved directly into the limestone to reach three main underground levels. Each level holds chambers, niches, and decorations that combine Egyptian and Roman traditions — the tombs’ walls depict gods such as Anubis dressed in Roman armor, illustrating the fusion of faiths and artistic styles that defined Roman-era Alexandria.
The Hall of Caracalla and Central Tomb
The Hall of Caracalla is believed to be a mass burial site for humans and animals connected to Emperor Caracalla’s reign. The central tomb includes a vestibule, a triclinium (funeral banquet hall), and a burial chamber decorated with reliefs and statues. The sarcophagi inside remain sealed, and the surrounding walls show deities escorting the deceased into the afterlife.
Planning Your Visit
The site is open daily, with guided tours available to help visitors understand its history. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon avoids crowds and brings cooler temperatures, with light filtering through the underground chambers.
Nearby Alexandria Attractions
The catacombs pair well with other Alexandria landmarks, including The Citadel Of Qaitbay overlooking the harbor, the Alexandria Bibliotheca, and The Serapeum Of Alexandria, home to Pompey’s Pillar. The seaside Montazah Palace and The National Museum Of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo offer further context on Egyptian burial practices across eras.
FAQs about the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
1. When were the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa discovered?
They were discovered in 1900 when a donkey accidentally fell through a hole that led to the underground burial site. Since then, it has become one of Alexandria’s most significant archaeological discoveries.
2. How old are the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa?
The catacombs date back to the 2nd century AD, during the Roman era in Egypt, and showcase remarkable Greco-Roman and Egyptian artistic influences.
3. How can I visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa?
The site is accessible from central Alexandria, and it’s best to include it in organized Ancient Egypt Tours to gain deeper historical context from expert guides.
4. What makes the Catacombs unique compared to other tombs in Egypt?
Unlike typical Egyptian tombs, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa combine Egyptian and Greco-Roman art, featuring depictions of gods and motifs rarely found elsewhere in the country.
5. What other attractions should I visit near the Catacombs?
Nearby attractions include the Alexandria Bibliotheca, The Serapeum Of Alexandria, and the seaside fortress The Citadel Of Qaitbay, all offering an enriching continuation of Alexandria’s historical journey.
