Roman sarcophagus uncovered on Bulgarian beach by retired cop
An extraordinary discovery was made in the area of the Saints Constantine and Helena resort near Varna in northern Bulgaria. On an empty beach, a retired police officer found a casket from the Roman era.
25 July 2024 13:08
Local Bulgarian media are writing extensively about the find. A former police officer discovered while walking in the area. The object was unusually decorated and measured 35 x 93 x 30 inches.
The man reported the find to the local police station, which contacted experts from the archaeological museum in Varna and the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture.
Found on an empty beach
Historians say it is a Roman-era artifact dating from the 2nd-3rd century AD. The sarcophagus is characterized by rich ornamentation, including garlands, animal head images, plant motifs, and weapons.
The artifact was found on the coast, on an empty beach near a hotel building that has not yet been put into use.
The sarcophagus is covered with a marble slab, which - as it turns out - may have served as a table. A layer of white paint was noticed on the object, which the archaeological team is currently trying to remove, hoping it has not caused significant damage.
"The sea did not wash it up"
The circumstances under which the sarcophagus ended up on the beach remain unknown. According to archaeologists, it may have been moved from the northern part of the country, rich in archaeological monuments. - It was certainly not washed up by the sea - said the head of the museum.
The origin of the sarcophagus is now being investigated by the police, and the find has been handed over to the archaeological museum in Varna.
