Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (13.2001(2002))

ALEXANDRIA

EGYPT

definitely more numerous group (nos. El-
10) paralleled graves encountered
previously in sector M. The superstruc-
tures were rectangular, built of small
limestone blocks faced with plaster. In
a few cases, the tombs were additionally
decorated with incised geometrical pat-
terns. Unfortunately, most of the graves in
the northern part of the area had lost their
superstructure, which may have simply
deteriorated and been removed during
a later phase of the graveyard or was
damaged by stone robbing. Some simple
interments in shallow pits packed between
more developed structures were also
observed.
What sets apart this fragment of the
cemetery is that it (graves nos. E 8-10)
shows some signs of internal patterning.
Several graves were grouped together and

enclosed by a wall, which when found had
largely been reduced to the lowermost
courses. Such enclosures were excavated in
the central and western portions of the
trench (nos. 17 and 18) (Fig. 2). They are
likely familial groups. Anthropological
research planned for the next season should
shed more light on this question.
Not surprisingly, this phase of the
graveyard was introduced well after the
portico had been demolished, most of the
columns fallen and the massive back-wall
largely dismantled. Some of the graves
were found straddling the back-wall (no.
E 3), others had been cut either into the
portico stylobate (nos. M 253-254) or into
the original pavement.
The associated layers yielded the usual
range of assorted finds, largely similar to
that recorded previously in other medieval


Fig. 2. Sector E. Moslem Upper Necropolis, enclosure E 17. View from the west
(Photo W. Jerke)

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