Overview:

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria, Egypt are an ancient underground complex that dates back to the early 2nd century AD. The Catacombs consist of three primary levels, each featuring a different type of architectural design. The top level of the Catacombs consists of a series of funerary chapels, decorated with Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts, statues and sarcophagi. The second level features a winding staircase and various galleries, where the remains of the deceased were interred. The bottom level is a network of small passages connecting two large halls, each containing intricate carvings of gods, goddesses and other mythical figures. This level also contains the so-called Hall of Caracalla, an estimated 55-meter long room with a large statue of the emperor, along with several other statues of gods and goddesses. Together, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages and act as testament to the high level of artistry and engineering that existed in the ancient world. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

1. Complex System of Chambers - The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa feature a complex system of chambers, galleries, shafts, stairs, and arched ceilings. 2. Ancient Artwork - The catacombs also contain ancient artwork and carvings, depicting scenes of mythology and eulogizing the deceased. 3. Unique Architecture - This site is credited with the invention of the corbelled arch, an architectural style used to construct triple-level chambers. 4. Stone Sarcophagi - It is home to several stone sarcophagi, each engraved with the names of the deceased and images of gods and goddesses. 5. Ancient Crypts - The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa provide visitors with a view of the ancient crypts, where the bodies of the deceased were kept. 6. Greco-Roman Plot - Finally, this site features a complex Greco-Roman plot that allows visitors to explore the history of Alexandria, from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria, Egypt are a compound of tombs located in the middle of a hill near the western shore of Alexandria. They are the largest and most elaborate Roman period tombs ever discovered in Egypt and Alexandria. The complex includes two stories of tombs, an amphitheater and a rotunda, as well as evidence of earlier tombs. It is believed to have been constructed during the early 2nd century AD, in the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan (98 - 117 AD). The tombs were originally believed to be those of Alexandrian noble men and their families. However, more recent excavations indicate that it is unlikely that the tombs were built from scratch at around this time. Evidence suggests that the tombs were adapted from earlier tombs, most likely constructed during the Ptolemaic dynasty (323-30 BC). It is thought that the structure originally belonged to a wealthy family who had ancestral links to the nearby area, such as Kom El Shoqafa. The family wished to extend their grave markers to symbolicize their wealth and standing in the local community, through the construction of an elaborate tomb complex. For centuries the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa have stood as a testament to the wealth and sophistication of the ancient Egyptians. The complex is even more impressive today than when it was first discovered in 1900, and it is a popular tourist destination for sightseers and archaeologists alike. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria, Egypt are an ancient funerary monument, the largest in the world. 2. The catacombs date back to the 2nd century and are part of a complex of tombs, temples, and tunnels carved from the bedrock. 3. The catacombs were once part of a single, massive underground cemetery that stretched for 3 miles (5 kilometers). 4. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa contain 2.5-mile-long (4-kilometer) network of corridors, and are three levels deep, adorned with a variety of funerary monuments, sphinxes, and statuary. 5. The monumental entrance to the catacombs has a unique design, made up of dozens of steps and majestic columns bearing heavy capitals, topped with the carved likenesses of Greek gods and mythical creatures. 6. Many artifacts from the catacombs are now displayed in the Graeco-Roman Museum of Alexandria, including a Roman-style sarcophagus and a collection of ornamental jewelry. 7. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa are part of an archaeological World Heritage Site called Ancient Alexandria, and have been inscribed on the World Heritage List since 1979. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era