Archaeologists Unearth Intact Roman Sarcophagus in Croatia, Offering Glimpse into Late Antiquity Burial Customs
Archaeologists in Cavtat, near Dubrovnik, Croatia, have discovered a large stone sarcophagus that has remained sealed and undisturbed for over 1,500 years. The tomb, found in a necropolis at the site of the ancient Roman settlement of Epidaurum, dates back to Late Antiquity, specifically between the fourth and sixth centuries AD. Its remarkable preservation is attributed to well-preserved lime mortar sealing the junction between the stone coffin and its double lid, which prevented both natural elements and ancient grave robbers from accessing the interior. The discovery offers a rare opportunity to study burial customs from the final centuries of the Roman era. The sarcophagus, identified as a Salona-type, was carved from local limestone, suggesting the presence of skilled stoneworking workshops in the region during that period. The excavation involved a multidisciplinary team to carefully remove the five-tonne lid and recover the skeletal remains of one person, along with organic deposits and other materi... 
