<P> The catacombs lie the western necropolis of Alexandria and consist of three levels cut through solid rock, the third level being now completely underwater . The catacombs have a six - pillared central shaft which opens off the vestibule . On the left is a triclinium, a funeral banquet hall where friends and family gathered on stone couches covered with cushions, both at the time of burial and also on future commemorative visits . </P> <P> A stone staircase descends to the second level, an area eerily alive with sculptures . In the lobby of the building two pillars are topped by the papyrus, lotus, and acanthus leaves of ancient Egypt and two falcons flanking a winged sun decorate the frieze . Figures of a man and a woman are carved into the wall . The man's body has a stiff hieratic pose typical of Ancient Egyptian sculpture, with the head carved in the lifelike manner of the classic Hellenes . The woman's figure is also rigidly posed but bears the Roman hairstyle . </P> <P> There are three huge stone coffins with non-removable covers along the sides of the chamber . It's assumed that bodies were inserted in them from behind, using a passageway which runs around the outside of the funeral chamber . There is a hallway with 91" deep walls in the central tomb chamber, with carved recesses, each providing burial space for three mummies . </P> <P> Visitors can reach the first level through a breach in the rotunda wall, which was made at an unknown date . This leads to the Hall of Caracalla in which the bones of horses and humans were found . </P>

Who built the catacombs of kom el shoqafa