Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Roman burial site in Alexandria, Egypt.
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa is an underground burial complex in Alexandria with chambers carved into rock. The site extends over multiple levels and contains various rooms, including burial chambers and a central circular hall with a shaft running through it.
The site dates to the 2nd century AD and served as a cemetery for wealthy families during the Roman period. It was accidentally discovered in 1900 when an animal fell through an opening at ground level.
The burial chambers blend Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artistic styles in their decorations and layouts. Walking through them, you notice how three different worlds came together in this single place.
Access is through stairs that descend into the depths, and lighting inside is limited. It helps to wear sturdy shoes and allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness as you explore.
A special hall served as a dining space where families gathered to honor their deceased relatives with ceremonial meals. These rooms reveal how daily life and beliefs about the afterlife were deeply connected for people here.
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