An ‘extraordinary’ sarcophagus from the second century has been found buried in France, the first time archaeologists have discovered an unlooted tomb on the site of an ancient Roman city.
Archaeologists excavating in Reim discovered an undisturbed limestone sarcophagus in what was once known as Durocortorum, one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, according to the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP).
Inside the tomb, researchers found the body of a 40-year-old woman believed to be a member of the Roman elite. He was buried with four oil lamps, a small mirror, an amber ring and two glass containers that may have contained perfume.
Agnès Balmelle, assistant scientific and technical director at INRAP, described the sarcophagus as “quite unusual,” noting that it was sealed with eight iron staples.
A limestone sarcophagus dating back to the second century was found buried in the city of Reim, France. Inrap Reim houses the remains of the ancient Roman city of Durocortorum. De Agostini via Getty Images
The researchers used X-rays and an endoscopic camera to peer into the sarcophagus to examine its contents.
The tomb weighs around 1,700 pounds, and given the seal, the researchers are confident that they are the first to find a sarcophagus in an area plagued by vandalism and looting.
Reim is known to have held a necropolis, an ancient burial site that held thousands of corpses. In the past 22 years, researchers have discovered about 5,000 tombs in the city, INRAP estimates.
The sarcophagus weighed about 1,700 pounds and held the body of a 40-year-old woman and her belongings. Inrap It is the first intact tomb discovered so far at a Roman necropolis site. De Agostini via Getty Images
The ancient city, however, suffered great damage during World War I, which destroyed tombs and artifacts found by archaeologists at the time. Grave robbers have also searched the area.
Given the exceptional condition of the sarcophagus, the researchers hope to discover more through DNA testing from the woman’s teeth, hoping to compare them with samples of other corpses found in the necropolis.
The latest discovery is not the first time an ancient sarcophagus has been found in France.
Archaeologists hope to conduct DNA tests on the remains to compare them with nearby graves.Inrap
Last year, archaeologists discovered an ancient lead sarcophagus under Notre Dame while the cathedral was under reconstruction.
Archaeologists say the main sarcophagus may have belonged to a dignitary and say it could date back to the 14th century.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
