Front face fragment of sarcophagus

myminifactory

Decorated stone coffins played a significant role in medieval Byzantine mortuary art. This practice had been well-established in Early Christian and pagan burial customs throughout the Mediterranean region, and it continued into the medieval period in Byzantium, albeit with a growing tendency to bury bodies beneath church flooring. The decorated coffin—empty except for its symbolic significance—remained an important representation of the deceased's presence nearby, forging a direct link between this tradition and ancient Christian burials. These stone coffins were adorned with diverse motifs, created through relief carving techniques, featuring intricate floral patterns, geometric designs, sacred stories, and inscriptions that identified the deceased individual. In rarer instances, coffin panels showcased the image of the griffin, an ancient mythological creature that served as a guardian for the tomb, drawing upon Byzantium's rich cultural heritage rooted in Greco-Roman art and traditions.