Sarcophagi

Sarcophagi

A collection of some of the sarcophagi of the western necropolis of Assos.  Graves dating back to the seventh century B.C. have been found here.  The carved sarcophagi are from the Roman Period (days of Paul) and a some of them have inscriptions.  Note the variety of lids that were used (flat, gabled with "horns" at the four corners, etc.).  These are the sarcophagi of the elite citizens and familes of Assos that wanted to be remembered (honored) as people would enter/leave Assos along the western road.  The sarcophagi are made out of the local andesite.