A sarcophagus is a funeral receptacle for a corpse, most commonly carved or cut from stone. The word “sarcophagus” comes from the Greek σαρξ sarx meaning “flesh”, and φαγειν phagein meaning “to eat”, hence sarkophagus means “flesh-eating”; from the phrase lithos sarkophagos. The word came to refer to the limestone that was thought to decompose the flesh of corpses interred within it

Common Forms

Sarcophagi were most often designed to remain above ground, hence were often ornately carved, decorated or elaborately constructed. Some were built to be freestanding, as a part of an elaborate tomb or series of tombs, while others were intended for placement in crypts. In Ancient Egypt, a sarcophagus formed the external layer of protection for a royal mummy, with several layers of coffins nested within, and was often carved out of alabaster.

Sarcophagi – sometimes metal or plaster as well as limestone – were also used by the ancient Romans until the early Christian burial preference for interment underground, often in a limestone sepulchre, led to their falling out of favor.

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LOST Complete Series (Premium Boxset)

The packaging for the Complete Collection can be seen to resemble (among other things) an Egyptian Sarcophagus. When taken in context with the series as a whole and the themes found within the series; the packaging can be seen to make perfect sense and nicely convey the occult nature of the show.

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