Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa: Difference between revisions
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== Name == |
== Name == |
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The catacombs were named Kom El Shoqafa, meaning Mound of Shards, because the area used to contain a mound of shards of [[terra cotta]] which mostly consisted of jars and objects made of clay. These objects were left by those visiting the tombs, who would bring food and wine for their consumption during the visit. However, they did not wish to carry these containers home from this place of death so they would break them. At the time of the discovery, heaps of these broken plates were found.<ref>{{cite web|title=The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria, Egypt|url=http://www.vantage-travels.com/day-tour/trip-to-alexandria-monuments-from-alexandria-harbor|publisher=Vantage Travel|accessdate=July 19, 2012}}</ref> |
The catacombs were named Kom El Shoqafa, meaning Mound of Shards, because the area used to contain a mound of shards of [[terra cotta]] which mostly consisted of jars and objects made of clay. These objects were left by those visiting the tombs, who would bring food and wine for their consumption during the visit. However, they did not wish to carry these containers home from this place of death so they would break them. At the time of the discovery, heaps of these broken plates were found.<ref>{{cite web|title=The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria, Egypt|url=http://www.vantage-travels.com/day-tour/trip-to-alexandria-monuments-from-alexandria-harbor|publisher=Vantage Travel|accessdate=July 19, 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101020622/http://www.vantage-travels.com/day-tour/trip-to-alexandria-monuments-from-alexandria-harbor|archivedate=January 1, 2015|df=}}</ref> |
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== Layout == |
== Layout == |
Revision as of 18:11, 23 January 2018
Lofus Kiramaikos (Greek) Ra-Qedil (Egypt) | |
31°10′43″N 29°53′35″E / 31.178558°N 29.892954°E | |
Location | Alexandria, Egypt |
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Type | Tomb, burial chamber, necropolis |
Height | 100 feet |
Beginning date | 2nd century |
The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa (meaning "Mound of Shards") is a historical archaeological site located in Alexandria, Egypt and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages.
The
Another feature of the catacombs is the Hall of Caracalla, which contains the bones of horses which were the tombs created for the horses of the emperor Caracalla in 215 AD.[2]
Name
The catacombs were named Kom El Shoqafa, meaning Mound of Shards, because the area used to contain a mound of shards of
Layout
The catacombs lie the western necropolis of Alexandria and consist of three levels cut through solid rock, the third level being now completely underwater. The catacombs have a six-pillared central shaft which opens off the vestibule. On the left is a triclinium, a funeral banquet hall where friends and family gathered on stone couches covered with cushions, both at the time of burial and also on future commemorative visits.[4]
A stone staircase descends to the second level, an area eerily alive with sculptures. In the lobby of the building two pillars are topped by the papyrus, lotus, and acanthus leaves of ancient Egypt and two falcons flanking a winged sun decorate the frieze. Figures of a man and a woman are carved into the wall. The man’s body has a stiff hieratic pose typical of Ancient Egyptian sculpture, with the head carved in the lifelike manner of the classic Hellenes. The woman’s figure is also rigidly posed but bears the Roman hairstyle.
There are three huge stone coffins with non-removable covers along the sides of the chamber. It’s assumed that bodies were inserted in them from behind, using a passageway which runs around the outside of the funeral chamber. There is a hallway with 91" deep walls in the central tomb chamber, with carved recesses, each providing burial space for three mummies.
Visitors can reach the first level through a breach in the rotunda wall, which was made at an unknown date. This leads to the Hall of Caracalla in which the bones of horses and humans were found.[5]
References
- ^ Planet, Lonely. "Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa in Alexandria, Egypt". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
- ^ Zahraa Adel Awed (2006-05-18). "The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the Mound of Shards, Part III: The Hall of Caracalla (Nebengrab)". Tour Egypt. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
- ^ "The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in Alexandria, Egypt". Vantage Travel. Archived from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
{{cite web}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ Planet, Lonely. "Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa in Alexandria, Egypt". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 2017-09-17.
- ^ "Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa Travel and Tour". Travel and Tour. October 2011. Retrieved July 19, 2012.