Visiting the Catacombs of Alexandria: The Largest Roman Graveyard in Egypt
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Khalid Al Mansoor
- . February 7, 2026
- . Update: February 7, 2026 8:18 pm
It is one of the most spooky archaeological sites in Egypt, hidden beneath the hectic streets in Alexandria. The Catacombs of Alexandria are not merely tombs, but they are a unique blend of Roman construction, Egyptian ideology and Greek artistry. This underground necropolis was found by chance in the early 20th century, and it is an excellent source of insight into how ancient civilisations dealt with death, memory and identity.
These catacombs were created to be the tombs of the elite families of the Roman-era Alexandria, as opposed to royal tombs that were constructed to be spectacular. Their multilayered design, cut in the rock, is practical and symbolic enough, and the site stands out as a milestone of funerary structures of ancient times.
An Unusual Intertwining of Cultures Sculpted in Stone
The Catacombs of Alexandria are really exceptional due to their cultural hybridity. Reliefs of sculpted gods are done in Egyptian attire, complete with Roman armour, and burial niches are in a Roman manner. Spiral staircases guide the sightseeing down a labyrinth of rooms, corridors and sarcophagi, which narrate tales of cultural co-existence in the cosmopolitan seaport.
Unlike grand royal tombs, the Kom El Shoqafa Alexandria complex was designed for elite Roman-era families. The main chamber of the burial complex contained stone couches onto which bodies were laid in the funeral rituals, which was an uncharacteristic feature of Egyptian tombs. Ornamentation in the form of Medusa heads, lotus and winged gods points to the fact that Alexandria was a crossroad of civilisations, not an entirely Egyptian city.
Why the Site Continues to Impress Archaeologists
Besides artistry, the catacombs still pose a challenge to the scientists due to their size and condition. Flooding that had since covered up the lower levels, preserving carvings centuries long against its will. Controlled restoration provides scholars today with the opportunity to examine the burial practices of Roman Egypt in a highly detailed way. The Catacombs of Alexandria are a living record of the process of overlapping, adaptation, and leaving traces of empires.
FAQs
Q1. What was the date of construction of the catacombs?
They can be dated to the 2 nd century CE under Roman rule in Egypt.
Q2. What is the number of levels of the catacombs?
The location comprises 3 levels that are underground, and some of which are partially underwater.
Q3. Is it possible to visit the catacombs nowadays as a tourist?
Yes, the place is tourist-friendly and also ranks among the greatest historical sites in Alexandria.
