Roman, Southern Lebanon — Sarcophagus panel with character surrounded by floral decoration — 2nd - 3rd Century A.D

Specimen observed during Antikarts catalog integration. The record is prepared from the technical and provenance information provided by the source. Photographs are preserved as condition evidence at the time of cataloguing.

Item: Sarcophagus panel with character surrounded by floral decoration. Material: Lead. Culture: Roman, Southern Lebanon. Period: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D. Dimensions: 235 mm x 240 mm. Condition: Good condition.

Context markers: Roman, Southern Lebanon. Dating indicated: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D.

Reference record preserved for study, comparison and documentation.

Provenance: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1970's - 1990's Prior to the 2nd century, Romans cremated their dead; around that time, they became inspired by the Greek and Etruscan practice of using sarcophagi, and they began to make coffins. This trend spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and between social stratums. While those of nobility would commission marble sarcophagi, the middle class would commission lead sarcophagi, such as this one. Lead sarcophagi were only made in Phoenicia, or the Eastern part of the empire, but were shipped west due to popularity.. Record preserved in the Antikarts Museum as a documentary reference. Stored documentary source: https://www.yourantiquarian.com/product/roman-sarcophagus-panel/.