Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (18.2006(2008))

ALEXANDRIA

EGYPT

LOWER NECROPOLIS
The level of the Lower Necropolis in
Area CW was barely above the floor of
the auditoria. Eleven tombs, measuring
1.80 m by 0.80 m (CW 300-310), were
constructed in the same way: big limestone
blocks covered with limestone slabs. Grave
CW 305 was dug into the southeastern

corner of the room using the ancient walls;
consequently the burial chamber needed to
have walls added only on two sides and was
covered with limestone slabs.
The Lower Necropolis tombs charac-
teristically are devoid of any superstruc-
tures. The condition of the bones in the
burials was very poor.

AREAL

UPPER NECROPOLIS
Area L, which was explored in 2005, is
situated in the southwestern part of the
ancient cistern. Altogether twelve burials
from the Upper Necropolis have been
preserved, some so fragmentary that it is
difficult to attribute them to any specific
type [Pig. 4]. Graves L 2, 4, 7 and 8 are
simple earth internments with superstruc-

tures in the form of a rectangular case
erected of upright limestone slabs. What
sets these tombs apart is the use of stone
clamps set in holes drilled in the sides of the
slabs to hold the superstructure together.
The rectangular cases of two super-
structures, L 3 and 9, were constructed of
small dressed stones and the space inside
was plastered. The burials in this type of


Fig. 4- The Upper Necropolis in Area L, view from the southwest with the ruins of the cistern in
the background (Photo W. Jerke)

49

.: