In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a perfectly preserved Roman sarcophagus has been excavated in Budapest, Hungary, offering an unprecedented glimpse into life on the empire’s frontier nearly two millennia ago. Archaeologists from the Budapest History Museum found the sealed limestone coffin in the Óbuda district, part of the ancient Roman settlement of Aquincum. Untouched by looters and hermetically sealed with metal clamps and molten lead, the sarcophagus contained the complete skeleton of a young woman surrounded by an array of funerary artifacts intended for her „eternal journey.” These included two intact glass vessels, bronze figures, 140 coins, a bone hair pin, amber jewelry, and traces of gold-threaded fabric, all pointing to her elevated social status and the care taken by her grieving relatives.
The discovery is particularly significant due to its pristine condition and historical context. Found among the ruins of abandoned houses in an area repurposed as a burial ground in the 3rd century, the sarcophagus stands out among eight simpler graves and a nearby Roman aqueduct. According to experts, it is exceptionally rare to find a Roman-era sarcophagus that was never reused or disturbed, indicating it was custom-made for the deceased. This find provides valuable insights into the bustling civilian settlement that grew around a legionary camp in the province of Pannonia, a key frontier region guarding the Danube River.
Beyond its archaeological importance, the tomb offers a deeply human connection to the past. Lead archaeologist Gabriella Fényes expressed being emotionally moved by the evident care and love displayed in the burial, noting the pain the community must have felt laying the young woman to rest. The meticulous preservation allows modern researchers to study not only the artifacts but also the skeleton itself, which anthropologists will examine to determine more about her age, health, and origins. Additionally, a layer of mud inside the coffin may yet reveal more personal items, such as earrings or other jewelry, during further analysis.
This intact sarcophagus serves as a poignant time capsule, bridging the gap between ancient Roman customs and contemporary understanding. It highlights the sophisticated funerary practices, social hierarchies, and emotional lives of people living on the edges of the Roman Empire. As research continues, this discovery promises to enrich historical knowledge about Aquincum’s inhabitants and their cultural traditions, while reminding us of the universal human experiences of love, loss, and remembrance that transcend centuries.
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Forrás: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/archaeologists-lift-lid-1-700-081800704.html.