2024-08-17 12:43:54
Archaeologists were left speechless when they discovered an ancient sarcophagus dating back to Roman times, being used as a beach bar table in a Black Sea resort near Varna.
According to euronews, after the discovery, archaeologists from the Regional History Museum of Varna examined the ancient object, recognizing its rich decoration as part of “garlanded sarcophagi” of the Roman era.
The details
The sarcophagus is made of exfoliated limestone, characteristic of the north-west of Bulgaria. It has intricate relief decorations on all four sides, such as garlands, animal heads, roses and a labyrinth.
Despite its historical value, photos on social media showed that the sarcophagus was used as a bar at a popular beach club for a while, raising concerns about the preservation of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage.
Archaeologist Alexander Mintsev said that all archaeological objects legally belong to the state, regardless of where and how they were found. He called for an investigation into how the sarcophagus ended up on the beach, suggesting it may not be an isolated incident.
The sarcophagus
How it was discovered
The discovery came to light when a former police officer spotted the sarcophagus on the beach while on holiday in Varna and reported it to the local authorities. The case was forwarded to the District Prosecutor’s Office in Varna, resulting in the initiation of a pre-trial investigation.
With the assistance of the Ministry of Interior and heavy equipment, the sarcophagus was moved to the Varna Archaeological Museum for further inspection. The case sparked a wider debate regarding the preservation of cultural heritage in Bulgaria and the need to properly protect and store archaeological treasures.
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