A 2,000-year-old lead sarcophagus was found in the Gaza Strip
(ORDO NEWS) — A lead sarcophagus was found on the northern coast of Gaza.
Later, archaeologists learned that it is only a part of a huge necropolis of the times of the Roman Empire. The find is located in the Gaza Strip.
The excavations are managed by a French humanitarian organization within the framework of the INTIQAL program. It is known that one of the main investors of the program is the British Council.
The necropolis was discovered by accident. In 2022, one company was conducting construction work here. At that time, she was working on a project for the construction of a residential building.
Various artifacts were accidentally noticed while digging the soil. By the way, Gaza is littered with such artifacts. They say that there are some relics literally at every step. Excavating here is pure pleasure.
The necropolis occupies approximately 3,500 square meters. 90 graves have already been found on its territory. Some of them are individual, and some are collective.
While the excavations are underway, scientists say that among all the coffins, 1 sarcophagus caught their attention. It is made of lead and most likely belonged to a prominent person of his time.
Jehad Yassin, director of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ Museum Excavation Department, said that in Roman times, such coffins were considered exquisite.
They were expensive, so only very rich people could buy them.
The sarcophagus has not yet been opened. To begin with, it will be placed in a special wooden container so as not to be damaged during transportation, and then it will be sent to the museum for study by experts.
It is known that the lead coffin lay in the ground for 2000 years. It is well preserved, because the clay soil seems to preserve it.
Scientists say that when the sarcophagus is opened, it will take at least 2 months to study the remains. Such works are carried out very carefully. It is important not to miss a single detail!
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