Marble Sarcophagus with Crosses and Rosettes

Material: Marble (monolithic sarcophagus)
Date range: 11th century AD
Origin: Athens (Hadrian's Library area)

Front face of a fragment of a monolithic marble sarcophagus (a tomb carved from a single block of stone).

Arranged symmetrically across the face of the sarcophagus, the decoration includes an ornate relief cross at the center, flanked on either side by two large circular medallions. The central cross is T-shaped at the upper and lower arms, with the interior surfaces of the arms filled with stylized foliage or scrollwork.

Above the cross are two five-petaled rosettes or floral ornaments. The base of the cross is supported by elaborate scrollwork that extends outward. Each medallion contains a cross inscribed within a circular frame, contributing to the overall balanced and symbolic composition.

The sarcophagus is decorated with relief crosses, rosettes, and palmette-like ornaments.

It was found in Athens in the area of Hadrian's Library and is dated to the 11th century, placing it firmly within the Middle Byzantine period.

Museum label reference: BXM 935 Marble monolithic sarcophagus with relief crosses, rosettes, and palmette-like ornaments. From Athens (Hadrian's Library area). 11th c.

Original Text: Μαρμάρινη μονολιθική σαρκοφάγος με ανάγλυφη διακόσμηση από σταυρούς, ρόδακες και ανθεμωτά κοσμήματα. Από την Αθήνα (περιοχή Βιβλιοθήκης Αδριανού). 11ος αι.

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