Archaeologists believe that the catacombs of Kom el-Shukaf began to be developed as a necropolis in the 2nd century BC and continued to be used for 200 years. This period in Alexandria's history is characterised by a mixture of different cultures. An ancient Egyptian kingdom with a thousand-year past after the conquest by Alexander the Great came under the influence of Greek rulers who brought the traditions and culture of the metropolis.
The catacombs are part of a necropolis or "city of the dead" built according to Egyptian tradition on the western outskirts. It was originally the tomb of a wealthy family, but the burial site was later expanded for unknown reasons. The common name "Kom-El-Shukafa" means "Mound of Shards" - it appeared due to the broken pottery found in the area. According to researchers, the clay vessels were used by relatives who visited the graves, brought food and drink, and, not wanting to take away the utensils used in the cemetery, broke and left the shards here.
It is assumed that on the surface above the catacombs in ancient times there was a large burial room, as a wide, circular shaft with a diameter of 6 m was excavated, descending into the underground structure. Two shafts, separated by a wall, lead downwards - these are the remains of a spiral staircase with windows. At the junction of the underground and upper levels and along the stairs there are places hollowed out in the stone - benches for resting. Further on, the path leads to a rotunda room, which overlooks a circular shaft-well descending to the lower levels. To the left of the rotunda is the banqueting hall known as the Triclinium. This is where relatives held annual celebrations and feasts in honour of the deceased.
The next level is the main part of the tomb, with many elements in it in the style of a Greek temple. At the bottom, between two columns, are the steps of the pronaos, or porch. Originally this corridor was the only one and was intended for burial niches; later it grew into a labyrinth. The lowest level of the burial chambers is flooded and inaccessible to visitors.
What makes these catacombs unique is the mix of styles in sculpture and painting. For example, in the room-shrine behind the pronaos there are statues of a man and a woman, their bodies are carved according to the canons of ancient Egyptian art, and the heads are made in realistic Greek style, the female - with a Roman hairstyle. On either side of the doorway on the facade of the temple there are two relief snakes guarding the tomb, they represent the Greek good spirit "agethodaimon", and they wear the traditional double crowns of Egypt, winding Greco-Roman staffs. On top of their heads are Greek shields depicting Medusa.
The tomb has many sarcophagi with mummies buried according to Egyptian canons, and numerous niches with the remains of those who were cremated according to Greek and Roman rites.
