SARCOPHAGUS Meaning and
Definition
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A sarcophagus is a noun that refers to a stone coffin, often elaborately decorated and carved, mainly used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to hold the bodies of deceased individuals. Derived from the Greek word "sarkophagos," meaning "flesh-eating," this term generally conjures an image of a rectangular or anthropoid-shaped container with a lid, designed to preserve and protect the deceased during burial rituals.
Typically made of durable materials like limestone or marble, sarcophagi are characterized by intricate engravings and intricate reliefs that illustrate various scenes or represent mythological figures. These reliefs often depict the deceased person, their achievements, important events from their life, or religious iconography related to the afterlife. Sarcophagi were considered as prestigious burial containers, primarily reserved for the wealthy or influential members of society.
Beyond their functional purpose, sarcophagi serve as valuable historical artifacts, offering insights into the art, beliefs, and customs of ancient civilizations. They provide evidence of burial practices, funerary rituals, and cultural aesthetics prevalent during different periods. Museums frequently display sarcophagi, enabling visitors to appreciate the artistic mastery of sculptors from the past and fueling discussions about cultural heritage and ancient civilizations.
In modern usage, the term "sarcophagus" may also extend to refer metaphorically to any ornate or formal container used for burial or entombment, even if not made of stone.
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A species of limestone called lapis Assius, or Assian stone, of which coffins were made-said to have the property of consuming or decomposing bodies in a short time; a stone coffin or tomb.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of SARCOPHAGUS
The word "sarcophagus" comes from the ancient Greek language. It is derived from two Greek words: "sarx", which means "flesh", and "phagein", which means "to eat". So, the literal translation of the word "sarcophagus" in Greek is "flesh-eater". Originally, it referred to a specific type of limestone that was believed to decompose the flesh of a corpse more rapidly, thus aiding in the process of decomposition. Later, the term came to be used for a stone coffin or burial container.
Similar spelling words for SARCOPHAGUS
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