The Roman Sarcophagi at Kedesh, Upper Galilee: Iconography, Typology and Significance

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present the iconography, typology and significance of three limestone Roman sarcophagi (late 2nd-3rd century CE), hewn out of the nearby quarry and found west of the Temple of Baalshamin at Kedesh. These sarcophagi – one with a single burial cavity and two with a double one – have never been studied thoroughly, and are unique in the region. Together with the two mausolea, they contribute to the understanding of the function and character of the nearby temple. The ornamentation of the sarcophagi, comprising a variety of motifs, conforms to the repertoire used in other sarcophagi of the Roman period, especially in the Roman East. All three are of the “garland” type, and several motifs have symbolic significance, such as the eagle symbolizing celestial providence and eternity, and the Nikai symbolizing triumph over death.