Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa is a necropolis featuring Alexandrian tombs, and other archeological finds. The necropolis features many Hellenistic and Imperial Roman influences. Not much is known about the origins of the catacombs except that within the area there was a merge between Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultural points, from Egyptian statues wearing Roman clothing. It is believed that the catacombs were created in the second century AD and might have been intended for a single family. Evidence shows that the catacombs were used for a period of at least 200 years. Archeologists have found three sarcophagi and both animal and human remains surrounding the area.
The Legend behind the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
There is a famous legend that accompanies the discovery of the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. In September 1900, a donkey was hauling a car when it suddenly disappeared in a hole. A man working in the area reported the incident to the local museum, which was a custom and expected during this time. He reported that he was quarrying stone and that he had broken open a tomb vault. He implored the museum curator to come and determine if the site had any archeological importance and then sign off allowing the man to continue his work. The curator was annoyed with …show more content…
During this time, Alexandria was a melting pot of culture. It is believed that along with Egyptian kingdoms, the catacombs were subject to Greek and Roman influence. Greek influence came in the form of Alexander the Great when he conquered the area and established Alexandria. Then in 31 BC, Rome was finally able to gain control of Alexandria and implement their traditions. Not much else is known about the catacombs except that they were used for 200 years and most likely intended for a
The Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa is a necropolis featuring Alexandrian tombs, and other archeological finds. The necropolis features many Hellenistic and Imperial Roman influences. Not much is known about the origins of the catacombs except that within the area there was a merge between Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultural points, from Egyptian statues wearing Roman clothing. It is believed that the catacombs were created in the second century AD and might have been intended for a single family. Evidence shows that the catacombs were used for a period of at least 200 years. Archeologists have found three sarcophagi and both animal and human remains surrounding the area.
The Legend behind the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
There is a famous legend that accompanies the discovery of the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa. In September 1900, a donkey was hauling a car when it suddenly disappeared in a hole. A man working in the area reported the incident to the local museum, which was a custom and expected during this time. He reported that he was quarrying stone and that he had broken open a tomb vault. He implored the museum curator to come and determine if the site had any archeological importance and then sign off allowing the man to continue his work. The curator was annoyed with …show more content…
During this time, Alexandria was a melting pot of culture. It is believed that along with Egyptian kingdoms, the catacombs were subject to Greek and Roman influence. Greek influence came in the form of Alexander the Great when he conquered the area and established Alexandria. Then in 31 BC, Rome was finally able to gain control of Alexandria and implement their traditions. Not much else is known about the catacombs except that they were used for 200 years and most likely intended for a