Found deep beneath Alexandria, the Catacomb of Kom el Shokafa gives travelers in Egypt a look at the importance of death in ancient Egyptian culture.
Uncovered in the 1900 by an unfortunate donkey who fell into the access well of Kom el Shokafa, the site also exudes how advanced ancient Egyptians were in their engineering and artistry. To more safely reach the remains, visitors will travel down along a circular staircase to the underground rotunda. The size and intricacies of Kom el Shokafa are representative of the ornamentation and cultural fusions of the time. Featuring Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artwork, each banister, wall carving and seat's time-intensive craftsmanship is still apparent in modern day.
Many wall carvings of humans are believed to be artistic representations of those who are buried here, due to the carving's detailed hairstyles and facial features. These carved artworks also provide visitors with a closer look at the lasting image of many Egyptians.
Beyond the rotunda, visitors can move into the funeral banquet hall, where it is believed that family members and loved ones of those departed would hold feasts in the dead's honor. Here, travelers can pay their final respects laid to rest here, as well as their gratitude to the fine artisans who created Kom el Shokafa.
Subterranean regality in the Catacomb of Kom el Shokafa
Posted on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
