Introduction
The
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa have been categorized as one of the Seven Wonders
of the Medieval World. They are comparable to the pyramids in awe inspiring
quality, but since they are mostly underground, they are not nearly as well
known. However, they are a complex and interesting topic to study.
Name,
Style, and History
The
name “Kom el Shoqafa” can be literally translated as “Mound of Shards” or
“Potsherds.” It was called this because the entire area was a necropolis. A
necropolis is a large, ancient cemetery with elaborate tomb monuments. Kom el
Shoqafa stood in the vicinity of a major necropolis outside western Alexandria,
Egypt. It was given its name because the area had previously featured a large
mound of terra cotta shards, mostly from jars. These had been smashed by the
families of dead people who brought them with food or liquids to the area, but
did not want to take home containers brought to a place of death.
The
Alexandrian tombs of the area, including this catacomb, were filled with
statues and various archaeological objects. The Catacomb of Kom el Shoqafa had
primarily Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman influences. Some parts of it
merged Roman, Greek, and Egyptian design. For example, some statues were carved
in an Egyptian style, but wearing Roman clothing.
The
builders of the catacombs built it in either the late first century AD or the
early second century. It was used consistently for burials from the second to
the fourth centuries. The catacombs were tunneled down into bedrock for
approximately 100 feet. At first, the tomb was built for only one family, but
eventually it was expanded to hold many more bodies. The precise reasoning for
this is not known, but it is possible that a corporation of sorts bought it and
the members paid regular dues. It is logical to assume that as a return for
these dues, they would be buried in the catacombs upon their deaths. One cult
was especially involved in these types of burial. Mentioned only as the Pharaoh
Cult in the sources encountered, they believed in re-birth. Hence, the bodies
had to be preserved to make this re-birth possible.
Description
of the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
One
of the most interesting features of the catacombs was a circular staircase.
Imagine the classic tower from princess fairy tales. If this staircase was part
of one of those towers, however, it wouldn’t on the inside – it would trace
around the outside. There were 99 steps. The hollowed center of the staircase was
possibly used for lowering bodies into the catacombs with a rope and pulley
system. It consisted within the catacombs as a six-pillared shaft that was 18
feet wide.
The
catacombs had three levels. Each of them was cut through solid rock. The third
level is now filled with water and infiltrated, because of the water, with
sand. However, the other levels can be toured by the modern tourist.
Within
the second level, three sarcophagi were found. The sarcophagi had un-removable
covers. It is believed that bodies were inserted into them from the hallway
behind. They were decorated with flowers, gods, and various scenes. The hallway
surrounding the central burial chamber had 91” deep walls. These walls were
carved with a total of 91 niches, or wall sarcophagi. Each of these, in turn,
could hold three mummies.
The
second level could be accessed by a stone staircase. It had a lobby with two
pillars that were beautifully carved. The first level included a triclinium,
also known as a funeral banquet hall. The table is surrounded by stone benches
that, when the hall was used, were covered with cushions to provide comfort for
the family and friends.
It
is thought that there was probably a funerary chapel on the surface, but any
trace of it has long since disappeared. However, it is sensible to assume that any
funeral held in the catacombs would have been an impressive event, probably
only attended by the rich.
Discovery
The
catacombs fell into disuse after the fourth century AD. Eventually, their
location was forgotten, and they were lost. Yet the legend remained, and in
1892, archaeologists began to search for the tombs once again.
They
were found on September 28, 1900 – by accident. The exact way is debated. The
most likely way is man named Said Ali Jibarah[1]
who was quarrying and accidentally broke into the catacombs. However, the
popularly accepted story (that is likely a myth) is that a donkey fell into the
access shaft. Whether or not this donkey lived is never mentioned.
The
tombs were not open publicly at the time, however. In fact, it was not until
1995 that they opened to the general people. Sub soil water had to be pumped
from level two as well. Level three remains mostly under water to this day.
Conclusion
The
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are an impressive nod to man’s ingenuity, and are
not nearly as well-known as they should be. They truly deserve to be one of the
Wonders of the Medieval World.
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