sarcofaag van Simpelveld

Showpiece

Sarcophagus

175-225 AD, sandstone, length 205 cm, Simpelveld (province of Limburg)

In 1930, during digging works near a house in Simpelveld, three sandstone sarcophagi were found. Two of them had been plundered, but the third still contained a number of grave gifts.

This sarcophagus - or rather ash container, because cremated remains were found in it - is a unique item because on the inside it is completely covered in reliefs. On one of the long sides a woman is depicted, lying on a 'wooden' couch. Next to her the interior of her house is represented by furniture and other household goods.

These reliefs are of great importance, because they give us a clear idea of the interior of a wealthy Roman's house. On the opposite site of the woman the exterior of a house is depicted. The sarcophagus still contained some gold jewelry, a small silver mirror, a glass vial, an earthernware flask and some other items. In 1937, near the site where the sarcophagus was found, traces of a villa were discoverd. Possibly that is where the woman lived.

Date of creation

van 175 tot 250

Period

• van 175 tot 250

Object type

sarcophagi (coffins)

Dimensions

• breedte: 240 cm; diepte: 105 cm

Collection

Archeological finds from the Netherlands

Institution

• Rijksmuseum van Oudheden

Source

• signatuur: l 1930/12.1 (sarcofaag; romeins), Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden

Copyright

for information contact: Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden

Keyword

• Limburg
• Simpelveld
• Stampstraat (vindplaats)