Coffins in Romans time

The word ‘coffins’ appears to owe its origin to the ancient custom of burying the dead in caves, a practice which prevailed not only among many civilized nations of antiquity but also with the barbarian tribes. Wooden coffins were common, but there were also lead coffins and stone coffins (sarcophagi).

Some sarcophagi were extremely ornate, and some were only carved on three sides, as they were intended to b placed against a wall in a tomb.

The resting place of emperors and their relatives were often large, tomb-like sarcophagi, or coffins, decorated with reliefs glorifying the dead person.

Well-to-do families went in for mausoleums in which the various members were laid to rest often in sarcophagi, expensive stone coffins often decorated with inscription and sculpture.

The classicizing sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, city prefect of Rome, baptized just before his death in 359 includes a colonnaded front divided into ten niches of richly carved biblical stories.

In the 4th and 5th centuries AD, they became common for ordinary people as well because Christianity chose to bury the dead instead of cremating the bodies. Marble or red porphyry were favored, as both types of stone sculpted well.
Coffins in Romans time