Larnax

A larnax (plural larnakes) is a type of closed box often used as a container for human remains in ancient Greece.

The first larnakes appeared in Minoan times during the Greek Bronze Age, when they took the form of a ceramic coffin designed to imitate a wooden chest. They were richly decorated with abstract patterns, octopuses and scenes of hunting and cult rituals.

During the later Hellenistic period, larnakes in the form of a small terracotta sarcophagus became popular, some of which were painted in similar styles to contemporary Greek vases.

In a few special cases, larnakes appear to have been made out of precious materials, as in the 4th century BC example found at Vergina in northern Greece. This is thought to have belonged to King Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. When found, it contained the ashes of an unknown cremated male.