ARCOSOLIUM
\ˌɑːkəsˈə͡ʊli͡əm], \ˌɑːkəsˈəʊliəm], \ˌɑː_k_ə_s_ˈəʊ_l_iə_m]\
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A term applied to those receptacles for dead bodies of martyrs in the Catacombs which consist of a deep niche cut in the rocky wall, arched above, and under the arch a sarcophagus excavated in the solid rock. The flat cover of the sarcophagus might be used as an altar: and such tombs were often richly ornamented.
By Daniel Lyons
