Pseudosarcophagus slab with crosses in a colonnade

myminifactory

Early Christian and pagan burial practices in the Mediterranean region consistently featured the decorated stone sarcophagus as a central element of niche tombs for centuries. This enduring tradition continued unbroken into medieval Byzantium, where it gradually evolved to include placement of the deceased's body beneath church flooring. The empty decorated sarcophagus was maintained as a visible reminder of the presence nearby, seamlessly linking this practice with the earliest Christian burial customs. Sarcophagi were lavishly adorned with an impressive array of motifs in relief carving, encompassing intricate floral and vegetal designs, geometric patterns, sacred stories, and inscriptions that proudly proclaimed the identity of the deceased.