Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs

Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs

Introduction

Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs is the largest and most mysterious burial complex in Alexandria. During the Roman period, it was also the largest cemetery in Egypt, dating back to the 1st century AD. Here, you can gain an in-depth understanding of Roman burial culture from 1,800 years ago. The catacombs are approximately 23 meters deep and consist of three levels with around 200 tombs. Originally belonging to a single wealthy family, other families later seem to have gained the right to be buried here by paying fees, essentially joining a kind of funeral company. The entrance is a large circular shaft, where the deceased’s mummies were lowered down using ropes. Visitors descend via a spiral staircase. The first underground level is a banquet hall where relatives and friends gathered for feasting after funerals. Further down lies the labyrinthine central burial chamber, filled with stone sarcophagi. Surrounding and extending deeper from the central chamber are additional tombs. The entire site is richly decorated with numerous reliefs and murals. The arches at the entrance feature common Egyptian motifs such as papyrus and crowned snakes, as well as figures of Greek gods. The central chamber houses statues of Anubis with a dog’s head and Sobek with a crocodile’s head, both dressed in the attire of Roman centurions. One of the chambers features murals depicting Isis and Nephthys guarding the mummy of Osiris. However, these murals differ from traditional Egyptian art, showcasing a simplified classical style — indicating they were not created by ancient Egyptian artisans but instead represent a local artistic style originating in Alexandria.

Alexandria, Egypt