Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

The intense Alexandria sun quickly disappeared as we started our way down. The entrance to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa—a vast underground burial site—was a narrow, circular staircase cut into the rock. This passage spiraled down for three levels, moving us from the loud, modern city to the quiet world of ancient history. The air immediately became cold and damp, carrying the scent of old stone.
After reaching the first level, we followed winding tunnels and corridors. The site itself is important because it reflects Alexandria’s diverse history and served a crucial function. It was built in a period when Greek, Roman, and Egyptian traditions were actively merging, and constructing tombs underground was a practical way to protect the deceased from tomb robbers and potential destruction, ensuring the sanctity of the burial sites. The most interesting part was the art—a clear and striking blend of these different styles.
We stopped at the main chamber, dominated by a large niche. The carvings here were highly detailed. On one wall, the Egyptian god of the dead, Anubis, was depicted. Unusually, he was wearing the standard scale armor of a Roman soldier. In other areas, Egyptian religious symbols like the winged solar disk were placed next to decorative Greek columns. This space wasn't just a tomb; it was a physical record of cultural mixing, a place where different civilizations prepared for the afterlife together.
We continued past the Triclinium, a dining hall used by mourners for ceremonial feasts, and saw the deep, narrow shafts used for lowering the deceased. The enormous size of the chambers and the careful detail of the stonework showed the considerable resources dedicated to building this monument.
Climbing back up to the surface, the light increased, and the sounds of the city grew louder. Stepping back into the daylight felt abrupt. The visit left a powerful impression: a clear understanding of a place where three major cultures converged, building a unique and lasting memorial to their dead.Leggi altro