The Catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa Alexandria, Egypt | History, Facts, Descriptions The Catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa Alexandria is one of top tourist attractions and it is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. This Catacomb is the oldest one in the world before the Italian catacombs of Rome. Meanwhile, Alexandria Catacombs are unique as it is a mixture of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles. Where is the Catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa? The Catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa is located in Alexandria, Egypt in the district of Karmouz south of the neighborhood Mena El Basel area near Pompey’s Pillar. Who built the Catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa? It is not known for sure who built the Catacomb till now even though we found the statue of the owner and his wife in its burial chamber but without names. Most probably it was for a rich family during the Roman Period, and some believed that it was for the governor of Alexandria during the 2nd century AD. Why it was called Kom El Shoqafa? The word Kom el Shoqafa means "Mound of Shards" or "Potsherds Hill" in Arabic. In the Roman era, the visitors to the Catacomb often eat and drink wine inside the tomb. Later on, they broke the containers and terracotta jars and through them outside the catacomb’s entrance. At the time of the discovery, they found hills of these jars on the site. When the Catacomb was discovered? The Catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa was first discovered in 1892 by the locals but the head of the Italian mission Giuseppe Botti working in the area thought it was a Christian cemetery and he did not pay attention to the local words. In 1900, Alexandria Catacomb was rediscovered but this
The Catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa Alexandria, Egypt | History, Facts, Descriptions The Catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa Alexandria is one of top tourist attractions and it is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. This Catacomb is the oldest one in the world before the Italian catacombs of Rome.
Agriculture in ancient Egypt | Farming tools, Crops, Festivals Since antiquity, agriculture in ancient Egypt was the milestone in the Egyptian civilization. Egypt was divided into two parts, north and south or Upper and Lower Egypt. Also, we know for sure that Lower Egypt was a more fertile area, and agriculture practices began in the Predynastic Period between 6000 -3150 BC after they domesticated animals. We know a lot about agriculture from the scenes decorating the walls of the tombs of the Nobles in Saqqara, Aswan, and Luxor west bank areas. The ancient Egyptian civilization was based basically on farming and producing their own food and clothes enabling them to build Pyramids and tombs. Ancient Egyptians created agriculture tools to help them and believed in gods and goddesses connected to agriculture and they had agriculture festivals. Here are some of the important features of agriculture and the Egyptian farming year. Ancient Egyptian Year | Ancient agriculture Calendar Ancient Egyptians divided the year into 3 seasons Akhet, Peret, and Shemu. Akhet was the flood season and which lasts from June to September, while Peret was the growing season that lasts between October and February. Finally, Shemu was the harvest season and they made bread from wheat, beer from barely, and linen cloth from flax. How did the Nile River play a role in ancient Egyptian agriculture? The Nile River played a great role in ancient Egyptian agriculture. Nile flood every year brought rich soil that was perfect for growing crops. Meanwhile, The floodplain was the only area where agriculture was possible in ancient Egypt because the rest of the land was mostly desert. They used canals and dikes to control the Nile flood and prevent flooding. They also used also basin irrigation systems to make sure the water reached the soil.
Agriculture in ancient Egypt | Farming tools, Crops, Festivals Since antiquity, agriculture in ancient Egypt was the milestone in the Egyptian civilization. Egypt was divided into two parts, north and south or Upper and Lower Egypt. Also, we know for sure that Lower Egypt was a more fertile area, and agriculture practices began in the
Isis | Origin, Facts & Symbol | Goddess of love, magic, motherhood in ancient Egyptian history Who is Isis? Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of fertility, motherhood, and magic, was one of the most revered and powerful deities in ancient Egyptian religion. Known as the "Great of Magic," she was revered as a protector of the dead and a goddess of healing. Her cult spread throughout the ancient world, and she continues to be a powerful symbol of strength and compassion in modern culture. In this article, we will explore the mythology, origins, worship, symbolism, and artistic representations of the goddess Isis, and examine her enduring legacy in the world today. Mythology In ancient Egyptian mythology, Isis was the daughter of Geb, the god of the earth, and Nut, the goddess of the sky. She was also the sister of Osiris, the god of the afterlife, and Seth, the god of chaos. According to Osiris myth, Osiris was murdered by Seth, and Isis used her powers of magic to bring her brother husband back to life. This myth is significant because it connects Isis to the cycle of death and rebirth, and it also highlights her power as a goddess of magic. Isis was also closely associated with the Nile River, which was seen as the source of all life in ancient Egypt. It was believed that the annual flooding of the Nile was caused by the tears of Isis, which fertilized the land and brought new life. This connection to the Nile also made Isis a goddess of fertility and agriculture. Where did the goddess Isis originate? The origins of the goddess Isis are not well-documented, but it is believed that she was first worshipped in the predynastic period of Egypt, around 5000 BCE. Her cult grew in popularity
Isis | Origin, Facts & Symbol | Goddess of love, magic, motherhood in ancient Egyptian history Who is Isis? Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of fertility, motherhood, and magic, was one of the most revered and powerful deities in ancient Egyptian religion. Known as the “Great of Magic,” she was revered as a protector of
The God Osiris | Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses | Myth, Facts, Description, Symbols God Osiris is one of the most prominent gods in ancient Egyptian mythology and Pharaonic civilization. He has been revered for centuries as the god of the afterlife, the dead, and the underworld. This god of fertility and the annual flooding of the Nile was also considered the ruler of the afterlife and the judge of the dead. In ancient Egyptian society, belief in the god Osiris played a central role in religious beliefs and practices. Although, his cult was one of the most popular and enduring. Many temples were dedicated to Osiris, and his festivals were celebrated with great reverence, marking important events in the religious calendar. This article will delve deeper into the mythology of Osiris, his role in ancient Egyptian religion and culture, and his continued presence in modern culture. The Myth of Osiris The story of Osiris is one of the most well-known and enduring myths in ancient Egyptian mythology. According to the myth, Osiris was the firstborn son of the earth god Geb and the sky goddess Nut. He was the brother of Seth, Isis, and Nephthys. Besides, he is the father of Horus. Osiris was considered the ruler of the afterlife and the judge of the dead, in Ancient Egyptian belief. He was also associated with fertility and the annual flooding of the Nile River. The story goes that Osiris taught the Egyptians how to cultivate the land, build towns, and live in civilized communities. He also showed them the art of reading and writing, art of music, the art of medicine, and the art of religion. However, his brother Seth was jealous of Osiris's power and popularity and plotted to kill him. God Seth tricked Osiris into getting into
The God Osiris | Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses | Myth, Facts, Description, Symbols God Osiris is one of the most prominent gods in ancient Egyptian mythology and Pharaonic civilization. He has been revered for centuries as the god of the afterlife, the dead, and the underworld. This god of fertility and the annual flooding
Tomb of Sennefer | TT96 the tomb of the vineyards | Valley of Nobles Frankly speaking, if you are in Luxor and have time make sure you do not miss the tomb of Sennefer. Sennefer’s tomb is one of the most beautiful tombs in the Valley of Nobles on Luxor west bank. TT96 is known since the Greco-Roman era because of graffiti on the walls of the tomb. Here, you can see a different 18th Dynasty Nobles’ tomb style and part of the Egyptian civilization through the rich people. Besides, the importance of the ancient Egyptian religion in people’s life. The importance of the family in ancient Egypt in life and death. Who was Sennefer? Sennefer is one of the High Officials of the New Kingdom during the reign of Amenhotep II (1427-1400 BC), near the middle of the Eighteenth Dynasty. He became the Mayor of Thebes when his cousin Amenemopet was the Vizier of Upper Egypt. Sennefer Titles during his lifetime Sen Nefer or the good brother carried many titles during his life under Amenhotep II. Here are some of them Mayor of the city (Thebes) Overseer of the Granaries of Amun Overseer of the Herds of Amun Overseer of the gardens of Amun First friend of the palace, the king Ear of the King of Lower Egypt Lord of Kus Where is Sennefer’s tomb located? The tomb of Sennefer is located on Luxor west bank in the Upper Enclosure of the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna district of the Theban Necropolis opposite Luxor in the valley of Nobles. When was the tomb of Sennefer found? The tomb of Sennefer was known since antiquity. We know for sure that Englishman Robert Hay visited the tomb in 1826. Robert Hay copied the scenes of the tomb which is now in the British
Tomb of Sennefer | TT96 the tomb of the vineyards | Valley of Nobles Frankly speaking, if you are in Luxor and have time make sure you do not miss the tomb of Sennefer. Sennefer’s tomb is one of the most beautiful tombs in the Valley of Nobles on Luxor west bank. TT96 is known
The temple of Ramesses III at Karnak Luxor | Barque Chapel of Ramesses III The location of the temple of Ramesses III The temple of Ramesses III is located inside Karnak temple on Luxor east bank of the Nile River. Barque Chapel of Ramesses III was built in the large open court lying between the first unfinished Pylon of Nectanebo I (380-362 BC) and the second pylon of Horemheb (1323- 1295 BC). Who is Ramesses III? Ramesses III was the second Pharoah of the 20th dynasty of the new Kingdom of ancient Egyptian history. His father Pharoah Seth Nakht founded the dynasty and Ramesses III followed him. King Ramesses III is considered the last great Egyptian Pharoah king after Ramesses II and Thutmose III. Meanwhile, three of his sons will rule Egypt later under the names Ramses IV, Ramses VI, and Ramses VIII. He led numerous military campaigns to defend Egypt’s borders against the Sea People, the Syrians, and the Euphrates people. Pharoah Ramesses III built Habu temple, KV 11 in the Valley of the Kings, besides his addition to Karnak temple and Luxor temple. Why the temple of Ramesses III was built? Ramesses III built this small temple following the pattern of the Egyptian temples and at his temple, the second Pylon was the end of the temple. King Seti II built his triple Barque Shrines to the north of the second Pylon. So, Ramesses III built his shrines to the south of the second Pylon as a resting place for the holy barques of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Probably, he wanted to store the Barques in a place carrying his name as Taharqa will do the same after that when he built the Taharqa kiosk in the open court. Who was the triad of Luxor? The triad of
The temple of Ramesses III at Karnak Luxor | Barque Chapel of Ramesses III The location of the temple of Ramesses III The temple of Ramesses III is located inside Karnak temple on Luxor east bank of the Nile River. Barque Chapel of Ramesses III was built in the large open court lying between the
