The Sarcophagus of Rapolla, a funeral monument of shining marble

This magnificent sarcophagus dating back to 165-170 AD, kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Melfese, was made by an atelier in Phrygia as a funeral monument for a Roman matron. The impressive quality of the decorations makes it one of the most valuable artifacts of its kind. The glossy white of the marble seems to shine with its own light in the dark-walled room. On the lid like a kline (sofa or banquet bed) a young woman is gently lying in her sleep, with one arm along her side and the other on the pillow, in an extremely natural pose. Along the sides of the chest, within niches marked by small columns, there are gods and heroes ready to welcome the deceased noble among them.