TED-ED: Mysteries of vernacular: Sarcophagus - Jessica Oreck and Rachael Teel

The video explores the term 'sarcophagus,' a stone coffin often decorated with carvings. Its history is intriguingly grotesque, tracing back to the Roman Empire. The Greek term 'sarkophagus' originally described limestone believed to dissolve flesh, a notion popularized by Pliny the Elder. The word combines Greek 'sark' (flesh) and 'phagein' (to eat), aptly describing a coffin's purpose.

What is a sarcophagus typically adorned with?

• Metal engravings

• Jewels

• Decorative carvings or inscriptions

• Paintings

Where does the word 'sarcophagus' originate from?

• The Byzantine Empire

• Medieval Europe

• The early Roman Empire

• Ancient Egypt

What material was the term 'sarkophagus' originally used to describe?

• Marble

• Granite

• Limestone

• Sandstone

According to Pliny the Elder, what was believed about limestone from a quarry near Troy?

• It was indestructible

• It could dissolve flesh

• It had healing properties

• It was rare and valuable

What do the Greek words 'sark' and 'phagein' mean?

• Flesh and eat

• Stone and coffin

• Life and death

• Earth and sky