Sarcophagus
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A sarcophagus is a funeral receptacle for a corpse, most commonly carved or cut from stone. The word "sarcophagus" comes from the Greek σαρξ sarx meaning "flesh", and φαγειν phagein meaning "to eat", hence sarkophagus means "flesh-eating"; from the phrase lithos sarkophagos (λιθος σαρκοφάγος) the word came to refer to the limestone that was thought to decompose the flesh of corpses interred within it.[1][2]
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[edit] Common forms
Sarcophagi were most often designed to remain above ground, hence were often ornately carved, decorated or elaborately constructed. Some were built to be freestanding, as a part of an elaborate tomb or series of tombs, while others were intended for placement in crypts. In Ancient Egypt, a sarcophagus formed the external layer of protection for a royal mummy, with several layers of coffins nested within, and was often carved out of alabaster.
Sarcophagi – sometimes metal or plaster as well as limestone – were also used by the ancient Romans until the early Christian burial preference for interment underground, often in a limestone sepulchre, led to their falling out of favor.[2]
[edit] Other meanings
The word sarcophagus is also commonly used to describe the large concrete structure erected around the remains of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to isolate it from the environment, following the Chernobyl disaster.
In popular TV series Stargate SG-1 a sarcophagus is a device which can heal human bodies placed inside - even bringing them back from the dead.
The fly family Sarcophagidae derives its name similarly, and the roots of the word similarly translate to "flesh eater", though the meaning is different. A sarcophagi is the plural of sarcophagus.
There is a French dish called "Cailles en Sarcophage" (Quails in Sarcophagus or Quails in Coffins), featuring de-boned whole quails in a topless box formed of pastry. It is one of the foods appearing in the film Babette's Feast.
[edit] See also
Death related
Places
- Great Pyramid of Giza
- Cologne cathedral
- Catacombs of Rome
- Wentworth Woodhouse
- Clazomenae
- Aachen Cathedral
- Hatshepsuts Temple
- Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor #4
People
Other
[edit] References
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