17.08.2026 12:40
A massive 5-ton sarcophagus from Late Antiquity was found in Cavtat, Croatia. Sealed with lime mortar for centuries and thus protected from external factors, the historic sarcophagus containing the remains of a single person was moved to be opened for visitors after a challenging operation by expert teams.
A historic discovery that excited archaeologists was made in Cavtat, Croatia. A 5-ton sealed sarcophagus, found at a depth of approximately 3 meters and determined to date back to Late Antiquity, was moved through a challenging operation and put on display.
The event that excited the world of archaeology was unearthed during excavations in the necropolis area in the town of Cavtat, located within the borders of the ancient Roman colony of Epidaurum. The giant sarcophagus, detected at a depth of about 3 meters and flawlessly bearing the characteristics of the period, was taken under protection.
REMAINED SEALED FOR 1,500 YEARS
The most important detail that makes the discovery extremely special is that the structure remained unopened and sealed for hundreds of years. It was determined that the lime mortar between the stone body and the double lid was preserved close to its first-day freshness. Experts stated that thanks to the lime mortar, no external factors penetrated inside, and the structure reached the present day untouched, protected from looters.
REMAINS OF A SINGLE PERSON FOUND INSIDE
After meticulous work carried out by archaeologists and restorers, the giant lid was opened for the first time. A burial belonging to a single individual was found inside. However, it was observed that the bone remains had largely deteriorated, succumbing to time. Researchers set aside organic deposits and other materials obtained from the sarcophagus for detailed laboratory analyses. The examinations are expected to provide important clues about the identity of the person in the tomb, the living conditions of the period, and burial traditions.
SALONA TYPE AND LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL TRACES
It was announced that the giant structure, dated approximately between the 4th and 6th centuries AD, belongs to the group of "Salona type" sarcophagi common in the Roman province of Dalmatia. It was determined that the limestone used in the sarcophagus, which draws attention with its special architectural decorations at its corners, was quarried from the region. This situation proves that advanced local stone masonry workshops existed in the region during Late Antiquity.
THE 5-TON GIANT STRUCTURE WAS TRANSPORTED
An interdisciplinary expert team consisting of archaeologists, anthropologists, and restorers undertook the lifting of the sarcophagus lid and the removal of the massive block from its location. The transportation of the 5-ton structure was carried out with a delicate plan. With the completion of the works, the historical sarcophagus was placed in an open area in Cavtat where the public and local and foreign visitors can see it up close.