Ancient Roman tomb unearthed in Spain. See what was found in ‘spectacular’ discovery
Archaeologists in southern Spain unearthed a rare collection of ancient Roman artifacts earlier this year. Now, they’re sharing images of the items with the public.
While doing preventative work in Antequera, archaeologists unearthed an ancient Roman necropolis containing 54 graves dating back to sometime between the first and second century A.D., outlet Nius reported. Of the 54 graves discovered, 30 were burials and 24 were cremations.
Officials said one burial in particular, called tomb 307, marked an incredibly rare find, according to reporting from the outlet AS.
The tomb, a lead sarcophagus, contains the bodies of a teenager who died between the ages of 14 and 16 years old and a 3-month-old baby, officials said, according to AS. A few months after the sarcophagus was buried, two more bodies were placed on top: another teenager who died at a similar age and a 4-month-old baby.
While the remains within the burial were fascinating, archaeologists said that even more shocking was the discovery of a trousseau containing rare ancient artifacts, according to Nius. Included in the trousseau were 15 glass ointment vials, two jugs, 25 tokens from the most popular game in Ancient Rome, a 2nd-century A.D. coin and several glass beads.
The second burial also included artifacts, according to officials. Archaeologists discovered 17 game tokens, more beads, six glass marbles and a type of light or window from the second century.
Antequera Mayor Manuel Barón described the discovery as “spectacular,” Nius reported.
The artifacts are being held at the Museo de la Ciudad de Antequera and are on display for public viewing, the museum said on Facebook.
This story was originally published November 18, 2022 at 12:38 PM with the headline "Ancient Roman tomb unearthed in Spain. See what was found in ‘spectacular’ discovery."
