HIDDEN HERITAGE OF ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Ministry of Antiquities, Egypt

Abstract

Alexandria is located on the Mediterranean coast at the western end of the Nile Delta. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC. Over the next three centuries, it became a center for trade and science, and Alexandria was a major port on trade routes between East and West, which made it an attraction for foreigners to reside in the city, and Alexandria thus became almost the most important port on the shores of the Mediterranean and an important center for foreign trade and a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic residential residence And, of course, the Jews had an abundant share in a sedentary life in this atmosphere. Graves are one of great importance in Archaeology, as tombstones contain valuable information about religious texts, Promotional phrases, dates, decorative elements and symbols. It is truly an official document that records the history and civilization of each country, the most authentic representation in the era and history recorded on it, shedding light on many different aspects of life throughout the ages reflecting the economic situation of the deceased in particular and of the country in general, and in genealogy, kinship and conjugal relations It's credible and beyond doubt. Those who wrote them never imagined that they would ever be a historical source. Tombstones, whatever their religion, are an important source of the history. This paper sheds light on an ignored part of the cultural heritage of Alexandria, which are the cemeteries of Jews. Unfortunately, few studies dealt with the cemeteries of foreigner's in Alexandria .In addition, no research has been found that surveyed all the cemeteries in the city. The aims of the study was to conduct a detailed survey to gather all available information from the various sources about The cemetery of Jews in Alexandria, Egypt these sources are archaeological sites and literature to highlighting the importance of the various architectural styles of the tombs in this historical period With a study of some models of tombstones.

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