Rare sealed sarcophagus found in Croatia

A rare stone sarcophagus found intact, still closed and sealed, has been discovered in the Adriatic coastal town of Cavtart, Croatia. The sarcophagus dates to Late Antiquity, between the 4th and 6th centuries A.D. and is one of very few sarcophaguses preserved undisturbed in their original context ever found in Croatia.

The five-ton sarcophagus was found in the necropolis of the Roman colony of Epidaurum. Numerous burials of different types were unearthed in the excavation before the massive sarcophagus was found three meters (10 feet) below the surface. It is a sarcophagus of the Salonitan type, a design manufactured in the workshops of Salona, capital of Roman Dalmatia. It was completely untouched by looters and showing no signs of ever having been moved. The lid was still sealed shut with a layer of lime mortar.

In order the remove the sarcophagus and relocate it to an area where it is visible to the public, archaeologists decided to unseal the lid and take both parts out separately. Restorer Sinisa Bizjak worked with sculptor Tomislav Šalo to remove the lime mortar binding the lid to the coffin. Inside the sarcophagus were the remains of one individual. The skeletal remains are in poor condition, but archaeologists recovered them and took samples of organic deposits and other materials inside the coffin.

The samples taken will now undergo scientific analysis. Archaeologists hope to narrow down the burial date and find out more about the deceased. The burial remaining in its original location without being disturbed gives archaeologists a rare opportunity to investigate its context.

It now stands at the junction of pathways leading to the Račić Family Mausoleum, St Rocco’s Cemetery and the steps descending towards Ključice beach.

The relocation ensures that both residents and visitors can view the monument and gain a deeper appreciation of Cavtat’s rich ancient heritage and its connection to the former Roman colony of Epidaur.

* This article was originally published here