Difference between revisions of "Sarcophagus" - New World Encyclopedia
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===Tutankhamen=== | ===Tutankhamen=== | ||
| − | [[Image:GD-EG-Caire-Musée127.JPG|thumb| | + | [[Image:GD-EG-Caire-Musée127.JPG|thumb|200|right|Funerary chapel found in Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings (KV62). This was the outermost of the four chapels, the innermost one contained the pharaoh's sarcophagus.]] |
Perhaps the most recognizable of all Ancient Egypt's pharaohs, [[Tutankhamen]]'s sarcophagus has proven to be just as famous as the boy whose remain's inhabited it for centuries. Discovered in 1923 by [[Howard Carter]], the large sarcophagi held within it several wood coffins, that were inlaid one inside the other, contained in which was the mummified body of the boy king. The sarcophagus was of the old Egyptian simple style, a large box structure, which contained a more elaborately decorated, and more fragile, set of wood coffins. Thus the sarcophagus was used primarily to protect the wood coffins and mummified body from the elements. | Perhaps the most recognizable of all Ancient Egypt's pharaohs, [[Tutankhamen]]'s sarcophagus has proven to be just as famous as the boy whose remain's inhabited it for centuries. Discovered in 1923 by [[Howard Carter]], the large sarcophagi held within it several wood coffins, that were inlaid one inside the other, contained in which was the mummified body of the boy king. The sarcophagus was of the old Egyptian simple style, a large box structure, which contained a more elaborately decorated, and more fragile, set of wood coffins. Thus the sarcophagus was used primarily to protect the wood coffins and mummified body from the elements. | ||
===Ahiram=== | ===Ahiram=== | ||
| − | [[Image:Ahiram | + | [[Image:Ahiram sarcophag from Biblos XIII-XBC.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Sarcophagus of Ahiram, King of Biblos (Phoenicia) in XIII-X c. BC. Kept in Beirut National Museum]] |
One of the ancient kings of [[Phoenicia]], [[Ahiram]] ('''King of Biblos''' as he was known then) was sealed for in a Late Bronze Age [[sarcophagus]] at some point during the early 10th century B.C.E.<ref>''The Cambridge Ancient History'' ed by Iorwerth Eiddon et al. 2nd ed. Vol. II pt.2, Cambridge University Press, 1975. ISBN 0521086914 [http://books.google.com/books?id=n1TmVvMwmo4C&pg=PA521&lpg=PA521&dq=ahiram&source=web&ots=f_0M3z8nhG&sig=qp_LHve_bF5XPXBGrPpSwvUqLRM#PPA521,M1 Google Books], p 521.</ref> Upon discovery, the sarcophagus was subsequently moved to the [[Beirut National Museum]], where it is now on display. To [[archaeology|archaeologists]], the sarcophagus represented a rare discovery in early Phoenician art and writing. It also is a classical example of the blending of styles, in which the box style sarcophagus is used, but intricate artwork is added around the sides. | One of the ancient kings of [[Phoenicia]], [[Ahiram]] ('''King of Biblos''' as he was known then) was sealed for in a Late Bronze Age [[sarcophagus]] at some point during the early 10th century B.C.E.<ref>''The Cambridge Ancient History'' ed by Iorwerth Eiddon et al. 2nd ed. Vol. II pt.2, Cambridge University Press, 1975. ISBN 0521086914 [http://books.google.com/books?id=n1TmVvMwmo4C&pg=PA521&lpg=PA521&dq=ahiram&source=web&ots=f_0M3z8nhG&sig=qp_LHve_bF5XPXBGrPpSwvUqLRM#PPA521,M1 Google Books], p 521.</ref> Upon discovery, the sarcophagus was subsequently moved to the [[Beirut National Museum]], where it is now on display. To [[archaeology|archaeologists]], the sarcophagus represented a rare discovery in early Phoenician art and writing. It also is a classical example of the blending of styles, in which the box style sarcophagus is used, but intricate artwork is added around the sides. | ||
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===Sarcophagus of the Spouses=== | ===Sarcophagus of the Spouses=== | ||
| − | [[Image:Banditaccia Sarcofago Degli Sposi.jpg|thumb| | + | [[Image:Banditaccia Sarcofago Degli Sposi.jpg|thumb|200px|The [[Etruscan]] ''[[sarcophagus of the spouses]]'', at the [[National Etruscan Museum]]]] |
| − | The "'''Sarcophagus of the Spouses'''" (Italian: ''Sarcofago degli Sposi'') is a late [[6th century B.C.E.]] [[Etruscan art|Etruscan]] [[anthropoid]] [[sarcophagus]]. It is 1. | + | The "'''Sarcophagus of the Spouses'''" (Italian: ''Sarcofago degli Sposi'') is a late [[6th century B.C.E.]] [[Etruscan art|Etruscan]] [[anthropoid]] [[sarcophagus]]. It is 1.14 m high by 1.9 m wide, and is made of painted [[terracotta]]. It depicts a married couple reclining at a banquet together in the afterlife (in a scene similar to that from contemporary Greek vases) and was found in 19th century excavations at the [[necropolis]] of [[Cerveteri]] (ancient [[Caere]]). It is now in the [[National Etruscan Museum]] of [[Villa Giulia]], [[Rome]]. |
The smiling faces with their almond shaped eyes and long braided hair, as well as the shape of the feet of the bed, reveal Greek influence. The marked contrast between the high relief busts and the very flattened legs is typically Etruscan. The Etruscan artist's interest focused on the upper half of the figures, especially on the vibrant faces and gesticulating arms. It is very similar to the Sarcophagus from Cerveteri, perhaps by the same artist. Both portray the affection of a man and a woman, an image never before seen in the Greek culture.<ref> (2007) Williams, Yona. Unexplainable.net[[http://www.unexplainable.net/artman/publish/article_7558.shtml"Ancient Etruscan Art"]] Retrieved September 12, 2007 </ref> | The smiling faces with their almond shaped eyes and long braided hair, as well as the shape of the feet of the bed, reveal Greek influence. The marked contrast between the high relief busts and the very flattened legs is typically Etruscan. The Etruscan artist's interest focused on the upper half of the figures, especially on the vibrant faces and gesticulating arms. It is very similar to the Sarcophagus from Cerveteri, perhaps by the same artist. Both portray the affection of a man and a woman, an image never before seen in the Greek culture.<ref> (2007) Williams, Yona. Unexplainable.net[[http://www.unexplainable.net/artman/publish/article_7558.shtml"Ancient Etruscan Art"]] Retrieved September 12, 2007 </ref> | ||
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| + | ===Sarcofago di Stilicone=== | ||
| + | [[Image:9822 - Milano - Sant'Ambrogio - Sarcofago di Stilicone - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto 25-Apr-2007.jpg|thumb|200px|left|"Sarcofago di Stilicone" ("Stilicho's sarcophagus")]] | ||
| + | The so-called "Sarcofago di Stilicone" ("Stilicho's sarcophagus") is an Ancient Roman paleochristian sarcophagus dating from around 385 C.E., sculpted for a high-rank military authority and his wife. It is preserved beneath the pulpit of Sant'Ambrogio basilica in Milan, Italy, in the same spot where it was originally placed (which makes it the only original part of the paleochristian original basilica still in place). | ||
===St. Andrew=== | ===St. Andrew=== | ||
| − | [[Image:Standrewssarcophagus.jpg|thumb| | + | [[Image:Standrewssarcophagus.jpg|thumb|right|200px|St Andrew's Sarcophagus.]] |
The '''Saint Andrews Sarcophagus''' is a [[Picts|Pictish]] monument dating from the middle of the 8th century. The [[sarcophagus]] was recovered beginning in 1833 during excavations by [[St Andrew's Cathedral, St Andrews|St Andrew's Cathedral]], but it was not until 1922 that the surviving components were reunited. The sarcophagus is currently on display at the Cathedral museum in [[St Andrews]], close to the site of its discovery. | The '''Saint Andrews Sarcophagus''' is a [[Picts|Pictish]] monument dating from the middle of the 8th century. The [[sarcophagus]] was recovered beginning in 1833 during excavations by [[St Andrew's Cathedral, St Andrews|St Andrew's Cathedral]], but it was not until 1922 that the surviving components were reunited. The sarcophagus is currently on display at the Cathedral museum in [[St Andrews]], close to the site of its discovery. | ||
As originally constructed the sarcophagus would have comprised two side panels, two end panels, four corner pieces and a roof slab. The roof slab is entirely missing, as are most of one side and one end panel and a corner piece so that the extant sarcophagus is essentially L-shaped. The external dimensions of the sarcophagus are 177cm by 90cm and a height of 70cm. The stone used is a local sandstone.<ref> Foster, Sally M (Ed.) Historic Scotland and Society of Antiquaries of Scotland."The st Andrews Sarcophagus: A Pictish Masterpiece and Its International Connection" (Four Courts Press 1998) ISBN 1851824154 </ref> | As originally constructed the sarcophagus would have comprised two side panels, two end panels, four corner pieces and a roof slab. The roof slab is entirely missing, as are most of one side and one end panel and a corner piece so that the extant sarcophagus is essentially L-shaped. The external dimensions of the sarcophagus are 177cm by 90cm and a height of 70cm. The stone used is a local sandstone.<ref> Foster, Sally M (Ed.) Historic Scotland and Society of Antiquaries of Scotland."The st Andrews Sarcophagus: A Pictish Masterpiece and Its International Connection" (Four Courts Press 1998) ISBN 1851824154 </ref> | ||
The surviving side panel shows, from right to left, a figure breaking the jaws of a lion, a mounted hunter with his sword raised to strike a leaping lion, and hunter on foot, armed with a spear and assisted by a hunting dog, about to attack a wolf. Although it is not certain that the first two figures represent the same person, 19th century illustrations depict them as if they are. The surviving end panel is much simpler, essentially a cross with four small panels between the arms. The fragments of the missing end panel are similar, but not identical, to the surviving one.<ref> Foster, Sally M (Ed.) Historic Scotland and Society of Antiquaries of Scotland."The st Andrews Sarcophagus: A Pictish Masterpiece and Its International Connection" (Four Courts Press 1998) ISBN 1851824154 </ref> | The surviving side panel shows, from right to left, a figure breaking the jaws of a lion, a mounted hunter with his sword raised to strike a leaping lion, and hunter on foot, armed with a spear and assisted by a hunting dog, about to attack a wolf. Although it is not certain that the first two figures represent the same person, 19th century illustrations depict them as if they are. The surviving end panel is much simpler, essentially a cross with four small panels between the arms. The fragments of the missing end panel are similar, but not identical, to the surviving one.<ref> Foster, Sally M (Ed.) Historic Scotland and Society of Antiquaries of Scotland."The st Andrews Sarcophagus: A Pictish Masterpiece and Its International Connection" (Four Courts Press 1998) ISBN 1851824154 </ref> | ||
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==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<Gallery> | <Gallery> | ||
Image:Sarcophagus Ariadne Louvre Ma1346.jpg|Ariadne and Dionysus. Front panel of a marble sarcophagus, early 3rd century AD. Found in 1804 at Saint-Médard d'Eyrans, France | Image:Sarcophagus Ariadne Louvre Ma1346.jpg|Ariadne and Dionysus. Front panel of a marble sarcophagus, early 3rd century AD. Found in 1804 at Saint-Médard d'Eyrans, France | ||
| − | Image:Egypte | + | Image:Egypte louvre 004.jpg|Mummy cartonnage bearing the name of dame Tacheretpaankh. Glued, stuccoed and gilded layers of canvas, 3rd-1st centuries B.C.E. |
Image:Nuremberg L.A.Feuerbach Sarcophagus f ne.jpg|Nuremberg, Ludwig Andreas Feuerbach, Sarcophagus, from north-east | Image:Nuremberg L.A.Feuerbach Sarcophagus f ne.jpg|Nuremberg, Ludwig Andreas Feuerbach, Sarcophagus, from north-east | ||
Image:Leopold Precan - sarcophagus.jpg|Sarcophagus of archbishop of Olomouc Leopold Prečan in the crypt in Sts. Cyril and Methodius's church in Olomouc (Czech Republic). | Image:Leopold Precan - sarcophagus.jpg|Sarcophagus of archbishop of Olomouc Leopold Prečan in the crypt in Sts. Cyril and Methodius's church in Olomouc (Czech Republic). | ||
Revision as of 17:33, 12 September 2007
A sarcophagus (plural:sarcophagi) is an above ground stone container for a coffin or body, that often is decorated with art, inscriptions and carvings. First used in Ancient Egypt and Greece, the sarcophagus gradually became popular throughout the ancient world and carried over through the later years of European society, often used for high status members of the clergy, government or aristocracy.
Etymology
The word comes from the Greek "sarx" meaning "flesh," and "phagien" meaning "to eat," so that sarcophagus, literally translates as "eater of flesh." The 5th century B.C.E. Greek historian, Herodotus, noted that early sarcophagi (the plural) were carved from a special kind of rock that consumed the flesh of the corpse inside. In particular, coffins made of a limestone from Assus in the Troad known as lapis Assius had the property of consuming the bodies placed within them, and therefore was also called sarkophagos lithos (flesh-eating stone). All coffins made of limestone have this property to a greater or lesser degree, and the name eventually came to be applied to stone coffins in general.[1]
Description
Sarcophagi differ in detail from one culture to another. They are almost always made of stone, limestone being the most popular, but also sometimes of granite, sandstone, or marble. Sarcophagi were usually made by being carved, decorated or built ornately. Some were built to be freestanding above ground, as a part of an elaborate tomb or tombs. Others were made for burial, or were placed in crypts.
The first were usually simple box shapes that could be inscribed upon. This was common in ancient Egypt, were a sarcophagus was usually the external layer of protection for a royal mummy, with several layers of coffins nested within, that also to protect dead bodies. Over time, the artistry on these boxes became more detailed, to include inset sculptures, seem frequently in Roman, and later, Catholic sarcophagi. The sculptures would often depict a scene from mythology, or in the case of Catholicism, scenes from the Bible. Some sarcophagi actually began to take on contours similar to the human body, and often were given a painted or sculpted face.
Examples
Below are a few examples of famous sarcophagi from around the world.
Tutankhamen
Perhaps the most recognizable of all Ancient Egypt's pharaohs, Tutankhamen's sarcophagus has proven to be just as famous as the boy whose remain's inhabited it for centuries. Discovered in 1923 by Howard Carter, the large sarcophagi held within it several wood coffins, that were inlaid one inside the other, contained in which was the mummified body of the boy king. The sarcophagus was of the old Egyptian simple style, a large box structure, which contained a more elaborately decorated, and more fragile, set of wood coffins. Thus the sarcophagus was used primarily to protect the wood coffins and mummified body from the elements.
Ahiram
One of the ancient kings of Phoenicia, Ahiram (King of Biblos as he was known then) was sealed for in a Late Bronze Age sarcophagus at some point during the early 10th century B.C.E.[2] Upon discovery, the sarcophagus was subsequently moved to the Beirut National Museum, where it is now on display. To archaeologists, the sarcophagus represented a rare discovery in early Phoenician art and writing. It also is a classical example of the blending of styles, in which the box style sarcophagus is used, but intricate artwork is added around the sides.
The engraving text, in the Phoenician language says: "Coffin which Itthobaal son of Ahiram, king of Byblos, made for Ahiram his father, when he placed him for eternity. Now, if a king among kings, or a governor among governors or a commander of an army should come up against Byblos and uncover this coffin, may the sceptre of his rule be torn away, may the throne of his kingdom be overturned and may peace flee from Byblos. And as for him, may his inscription be effaced". This is apparently the oldest inscription in the Phoenician alphabet.[3]
Sarcophagus of the Spouses
The "Sarcophagus of the Spouses" (Italian: Sarcofago degli Sposi) is a late 6th century B.C.E. Etruscan anthropoid sarcophagus. It is 1.14 m high by 1.9 m wide, and is made of painted terracotta. It depicts a married couple reclining at a banquet together in the afterlife (in a scene similar to that from contemporary Greek vases) and was found in 19th century excavations at the necropolis of Cerveteri (ancient Caere). It is now in the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia, Rome.
The smiling faces with their almond shaped eyes and long braided hair, as well as the shape of the feet of the bed, reveal Greek influence. The marked contrast between the high relief busts and the very flattened legs is typically Etruscan. The Etruscan artist's interest focused on the upper half of the figures, especially on the vibrant faces and gesticulating arms. It is very similar to the Sarcophagus from Cerveteri, perhaps by the same artist. Both portray the affection of a man and a woman, an image never before seen in the Greek culture.[4]
Sarcofago di Stilicone
The so-called "Sarcofago di Stilicone" ("Stilicho's sarcophagus") is an Ancient Roman paleochristian sarcophagus dating from around 385 C.E., sculpted for a high-rank military authority and his wife. It is preserved beneath the pulpit of Sant'Ambrogio basilica in Milan, Italy, in the same spot where it was originally placed (which makes it the only original part of the paleochristian original basilica still in place).
St. Andrew
The Saint Andrews Sarcophagus is a Pictish monument dating from the middle of the 8th century. The sarcophagus was recovered beginning in 1833 during excavations by St Andrew's Cathedral, but it was not until 1922 that the surviving components were reunited. The sarcophagus is currently on display at the Cathedral museum in St Andrews, close to the site of its discovery. As originally constructed the sarcophagus would have comprised two side panels, two end panels, four corner pieces and a roof slab. The roof slab is entirely missing, as are most of one side and one end panel and a corner piece so that the extant sarcophagus is essentially L-shaped. The external dimensions of the sarcophagus are 177cm by 90cm and a height of 70cm. The stone used is a local sandstone.[5]
The surviving side panel shows, from right to left, a figure breaking the jaws of a lion, a mounted hunter with his sword raised to strike a leaping lion, and hunter on foot, armed with a spear and assisted by a hunting dog, about to attack a wolf. Although it is not certain that the first two figures represent the same person, 19th century illustrations depict them as if they are. The surviving end panel is much simpler, essentially a cross with four small panels between the arms. The fragments of the missing end panel are similar, but not identical, to the surviving one.[6]
Gallery
Ariadne and Dionysus. Front panel of a marble sarcophagus, early 3rd century AD. Found in 1804 at Saint-Médard d'Eyrans, France
Mummy cartonnage bearing the name of dame Tacheretpaankh. Glued, stuccoed and gilded layers of canvas, 3rd-1st centuries B.C.E.
Nuremberg, Ludwig Andreas Feuerbach, Sarcophagus, from north-east
Sarcophagus of archbishop of Olomouc Leopold Prečan in the crypt in Sts. Cyril and Methodius's church in Olomouc (Czech Republic).
Top of a sarcophagi in Laon's cathedral, Aisne, France
the grave of the famous major Franz Adickes of Frankfurt/main/Germany
Lid of an Etruscan sarcophagus. Museum Santa Maria della Scala, Siena
Sarcophagus (3rd Century), portico of Santa Maria in Trastevere, Roma.
Porphyry Sarcophagus of emperor Constance of Sicily (1154-1198), in the Cathedral of Palermo (Sicily). Picture by Giovanni Dall'Orto
Tomb of Marcellus II, "grotte vaticane", Basilica di San Pietro
Istanbul Archaeological Museum. The so called "Sarcophagus of the mourning women". From the Royal necropolis of Sidon, 4th century B.C.E.
Weddings of Dionysos and Ariadne. The Latin inscription identifies the girl for whom this sarcophagus was made as Maconiana Severiana, member of a wealthy senatorial family. Ariadne's face was probably left unfinished to be completed as a portrait of Maconiana
Footnotes
- ↑ sarcophagus. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved September 12, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sarcophagus
- ↑ The Cambridge Ancient History ed by Iorwerth Eiddon et al. 2nd ed. Vol. II pt.2, Cambridge University Press, 1975. ISBN 0521086914 Google Books, p 521.
- ↑ Beruit National Museum ["The Sarcophagus of King Ahiram"] Retrieved September 12, 2007
- ↑ (2007) Williams, Yona. Unexplainable.net["Ancient Etruscan Art"] Retrieved September 12, 2007
- ↑ Foster, Sally M (Ed.) Historic Scotland and Society of Antiquaries of Scotland."The st Andrews Sarcophagus: A Pictish Masterpiece and Its International Connection" (Four Courts Press 1998) ISBN 1851824154
- ↑ Foster, Sally M (Ed.) Historic Scotland and Society of Antiquaries of Scotland."The st Andrews Sarcophagus: A Pictish Masterpiece and Its International Connection" (Four Courts Press 1998) ISBN 1851824154
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Budge, E. A. Wallis. 2004. The Sarcophagus of Anchnesraneferab Queen of Ahmes II King of Egypt. Kessinger Publishing. ISBN 1417947608
- Grajetzki, Wolfram. 2003. Burial Customs in Ancient Egypt: Life in Death for Rich and Poor. Duckworth Publishers. ISBN 0715632175
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