





ALEXANDRIA

Catacombs























Alexandria's catacombs, known as Kom esh-Shoqafa, lie 35 metre underground, and you arrive down here by a spiral stairway. In the centre of this is the shaft through which the deceased were lowered.

The catacombs were built in the 2nd century CE, possibly beginning as a family crypt. By enlargements, the structure became big enough to accommodate more than 300 tombs. The catacombs were discovered as late as 1900.

The triclinium was a banqueting hall, where relatives had feasts and ceremonies in the vicinity of their deceased. The first archaeologists found tableware and wine jars here. The principal tomb (two top photos) contains iconic elements of both Egyptian, Greek and Roman religions.

The other rooms contain smaller graves, while the lowest level is flooded.

Admission is E£12/6, open 9.00-16.00. Next page



