A sarcophagus is a stone coffin often used in ancient cultures, particularly by the Egyptians and Greeks. These ornate containers were designed to hold the remains of the deceased and were typically placed in tombs or burial sites. Sarcophagi were often decorated with intricate carvings, inscriptions, and paintings that reflected the beliefs and status of the person inside. In ancient Egypt, sarcophagi were usually made of limestone or granite and could be quite large. They were often placed within elaborate burial chambers, sometimes accompanied by grave goods. The Romans also used sarcophagi, which were often made of marble and featured detailed reliefs that depicted scenes from mythology or the life of the deceased.