Does the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa still exist?

The catacombs consist of several Alexandrian tombs. Although it was originally intended as a burial chamber for only one family, it was expanded to allow for many other people. These underground tunnels were built around the 2nd century A.D. and still exist today.

Where is the ancient city of Alexandria located?

Egypt
One of Egypt’s largest cities, Alexandria is also its principal seaport and a major industrial centre. The city lies on the Mediterranean Sea at the western edge of the Nile River delta, about 114 miles (183 km) northwest of Cairo in Lower Egypt. Area city, 116 square miles (300 square km).

How old is the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa?

Archeologists believe that the Catacomb of Kom el Shoqafa was started in the 2nd century A.D. and was used to intern the dead for the next 200 years. This was a period in the history of the city of Alexandria when there was a great mixing of different cultures.

Can you visit the catacombs in Egypt?

Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa are open daily from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. Admission fee: 35 Egyptian Pounds. As these get visited by numerous tourists on tour during the day, this underground space which is quite claustrophobic in the first place can get even more so with all the people surrounding you.

What is found in the great tomb of Kom el Shoqafa?

To date, three sarcophagi have been found, along with other human and animal remains which were added later. It is believed that the catacombs were only intended for a single family, but it is unclear why the site was expanded in order to house numerous other individuals.

When was catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa discovered?

The catacombs were discovered in 1900 when a donkey accidentally fell into the shaft that led to the buried site. There is a hallway in the catacombs that leads to room called the Hall of Caracalla. This room was not originally a tomb, but many human and horse bones were found in it.

Who destroyed the city of Alexandria?

Julius Caesar
The first person blamed for the destruction of the Library is none other than Julius Caesar himself. In 48 BC, Caesar was pursuing Pompey into Egypt when he was suddenly cut off by an Egyptian fleet at Alexandria. Greatly outnumbered and in enemy territory, Caesar ordered the ships in the harbor to be set on fire.

Was Alexandria a Greek city?

Alexandria was founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great in the vicinity of an Egyptian settlement named Rhacotis (that became the Egyptian quarter of the city)….Alexandria.

Why were the catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa built?

These catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa were actually built as a tomb for only one family but it was extended to be a bigger burial site. There is a triclinium on the left side of the tomb, which is a funeral banquet hall. In that location friends and family used to gather on stone couches covered with cushions.

Why were the catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa?

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.

Who sacked the Library of Alexandria?