Doors of Burial Caves, also, Burial Customs - Sarcophagi. . , Doors of Burial Caves , Burial caves were frequently sealed by stone doors in order to prevent bad smells and looting. In 2nd-3rd centuries CE Tiberias, basalt doors were used in mausolea and decorated with relief of panels and iron nails that imitated wooden doors., Burial Customs - Sarcophagi , Burial in stone coffins (sarcophagi) was common from the second to the fifth centuries CE. The sarcophagi were composed of two parts: a rectangular box, in which the deceased was placed, and a lid. They were often decorated with carved floral, geometric and mythological motifs. The sarcophagi were placed in a built tomb (mausoleum) or in a hewn burial cave. The entrance to the cave was sealed by a stone door or a circular rolling stone. This burial custom was common among the entire population: Jews, Christians and pagans.
Doors of Burial Caves
Burial caves were frequently sealed by stone doors in order to prevent bad smells and looting. In 2nd-3rd centuries CE Tiberias, basalt doors were used in mausolea and decorated with relief of panels and iron nails that imitated wooden doors.
Burial Customs - Sarcophagi
Burial in stone coffins (sarcophagi) was common from the second to the fifth centuries CE. The sarcophagi were composed of two parts: a rectangular box, in which the deceased was placed, and a lid. They were often decorated with carved floral, geometric and mythological motifs. The sarcophagi were placed in a built tomb (mausoleum) or in a hewn burial cave. The entrance to the cave was sealed by a stone door or a circular rolling stone. This burial custom was common among the entire population: Jews, Christians and pagans.
Erected by The municipality of Tiberias, Tourism Department.
Location. 32° 47.141′ N, 35° 32.527′ E. Marker is in Tiberias, Northern District. Marker is on HaBanim (National Route
Click or scan to see this page online
90) close to HaGalil, on the right when traveling north. This historical marker is located on the south side of the downtown Tiberias business district, affixed to an ancient wall, that is inside a small archaeological park situated directly in front (to the west) of the Leonardo Plaza Hotel. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
View of the archaeological park's courtyard where the historical marker is located. The historical marker is seen (barely) affixed to the left wall, midway between the ancient building and the column in the left foreground of the picture.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 6, 2013
4. Burial Customs - Sarcophagi
View of a sarcophagi, situated in the vaulted chamber of the ancient building, that is located at the southern end of the archaeological park courtyard, where the historical marker is located.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 6, 2013
5. Burial Customs - Sarcophagi
View of a second sarcophagi, situated in the same vaulted chamber of the ancient building, that is located at the southern end of the archaeological park courtyard, where the historical marker is located.
View, looking northeast, of the historical marker, affixed to an ancient wall in the Tiberias Archaeological Park.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay
9. Doors of Burial Caves
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 619 times since then. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on May 15, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 9. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia.