ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Sarcophagus

A sarcophagus is like a really fancy and important box that is used for burying someone who has died. It is usually made out of really strong and expensive materials like marble or gold. The word "sarcophagus" even comes from the Greek words for "flesh" and "to eat up" because ancient Greeks believed that the box would eat up the dead person's flesh and protect their body forever.

A sarcophagus has a special shape that is designed to fit the body of the person who will be buried inside. The top of the box usually has a picture or statue of the person who has died, along with other important symbols and decorations. These decorations can tell us a lot about the person's life and what they believed in.

Sarcophagi were used by many different cultures throughout history, including ancient Egyptians and Romans. They were seen as a way to honor and respect the dead person, and also to show off how wealthy and powerful their family was.

Today, you can sometimes see sarcophagi in museums or ancient ruins. If you ever visit one, you can imagine what it would have been like to be buried in such an important and beautiful box so many years ago.
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