An Archaeology of Memory: The 'Reinvention' of Roman Sarcophagi in Provence during the Middle Ages

Roman sarcophagi in medieval Provence were not merely repurposed but became central to the region's collective memory and religious identity. These ancient tombs, often linked to saints like Mary Magdalene, Cassian, and Honorat, were embedded in invented narratives that legitimized local cults and histories. The study reveals how these objects transitioned from mere burial sites to revered relics, symbolizing antiquity and historical significance. By analyzing sources such as saints' vitae, medieval charters, sermons, and pilgrim accounts, the research reconstructs how sarcophagi were strategically positioned in sites like Arles’ Alyscamps, Saint-Maximin, Tarascon, and Marseille’s monastery of Saint Victor to reinforce legends and cults. This 'reinvention' underscores the sarcophagi's pivotal role in shaping medieval Provence's religious landscape and historical imagination.

Wyche, R. (2013). An Archaeology of Memory: The 'Reinvention' of Roman Sarcophagi in Provence during the Middle Ages. Unpublished. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.29251.04643