The mysterious Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Alexandria were discovered a little more than a hundred years ago when a donkey disappeared into a hole in the earth. What was uncovered was a complex of 3 story underground catacomb. While the upper floor is pretty bare from design the middle floor has a unique tomb that combines Egyptian, Greek, and Roman iconography.
Above the entrance you can see many Uraei (cobras) with the sun disk, and the winged vulture, a common sight of Egyptian temples.
But on the side you see a greek Agathodaimon (serpent) wearing the double crown of Egypt and holding a Greek thyrus (pinecone staff) and a winged spiral serpent staff. Above a shield with the face of Athena stares out at you.
Once inside the tomb, as you look around you’ll see familiar Egyptian gods and goddesses attending to the mummy of the deceased, but wearing roman grab.
Two strange Anubis stand guard near the entrance, wearing Greco-Roman armor, with the left one having the bottom half of a snake.
On both of the side walls, you can see the Pharaoh or Roman Emperor wearing the two crowns of Egypt present the Apis Bull with a collar as the winged goddess Isis looks on.
It is still unknown who this tomb was meant for, and why the mixture of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman iconography is present. But this is truly a one of a kind place, and a must see.
Read more about the iconography here.
Every other week Travel Thursday brings you travel tips and information on the amazing sights and activities the world has to offer.
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