Sarcophagus of Justus and Archelais from Neapolis (NEA0001)

Sarcophagus of Justus and Archelais from Neapolis (NEA0001)

Sarcophagus decorated with floral motifs and Greek inscriptions for Justus and Archelais from Neapolis, dated to the 2nd-3rd c. CE.

NEA0001

c.2.25 x 0.5m

The facade of the sarcophagus is decorated with a central decoration of two intertwined serpents within a wreath. The upper edge of the sarcophagus is decorated with a schematic leaf pattern. At each corner of the sarcophagus is a moulded support. The two short ends are decorated with vines and leaves. The inscriptions, each four words long, are inscribed in two rows.

ΙΟΥCΤΟΥ ΙΟΥCΤΟΥ ΘΕΟΦΙΛΟΥ ΚΤΙCΤΟΥ
ΚΑΙΑΡΧΕΛΑΕΙΔΟC CΙΜωΝΟC ΑΛΕξΑΜΔΡΟΥ CΥΝΒΙΟΥ

Ιουστου Ιουστου Θεοφιλου κτιστου | και Αρχελαειδος Σιμωνος Αλεξανδρου συνβιου

(Sarcophagus) of Justus son of Justus son of Theophilus the builder and of Archelais daughter of Simon son of Alexander his wife.

Magen 2009

Magen 2009

Magen 2009

In the central arcosolium across from the entrance of the Mauseolum at 'Askar

This sarcophagus was one of 10 found in the mausoleum at 'Askar. The mausoleum's facade imitated a tetrastyle temple with Corinthian and Ionic capitals. The other sarcophagi in the mausoleum were decorated variously (garlands, bucrania, grape clusters, rosettes, etc.) but only one other was inscribed (Sarcophagus 9, with the Greek inscription "Of Sabbatius"/Σαββατιοθ) (Magen 2009, 293-305).

Magen, Y. 2009. Flavia Neapolis: Schechem in the Roman Period. Jerusalem: Israel Antiquities Authority. (pp.305-306).