Appearance of Sarcophagus on Beach Has Experts Pondering Its Origin

In a bizarre find, a vacationer came across a Roman sarcophagus on the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast near Varna. The find was reported to the local authorities, leading to a swift response by the Varna Archaeological Museum and the regional office of the Culture Ministry Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, who are now examining it.

The discovery was made on Tuesday, by a former law enforcement officer who was holidaying at the Sts. Constantine and Helena resort. While enjoying the beach near a recently completed construction site, he came across the sarcophagus and immediately contacted the local police.

A police patrol, along with archaeological specialists, the Varna Archaeological Museum and a representative from the local office of the Culture Ministry Directorate for the Protection of Cultural Heritage make an initial inspection and surmised that it likely dated to the Roman era, specifically the 2nd to 3rd century AD, reported Bulgarian National Television.

 The sarcophagus was found empty, with no lid. (Ministry of the Interior)

Details and Transportation of the Sarcophagus

Measuring approximately 90 x 235 x 75 cm (3 x 7.7 x 2.5 feet), the sarcophagus is adorned with elaborate relief decorations. These include garlands, leaves, grapes, animal heads, and other stylized ornaments, characteristic of Roman funerary art. Notably, the sarcophagus lacks a lid, which is not uncommon for such finds but adds an element of mystery regarding its original use and contents, explains a Novinite report.

After the initial inspection, the artifact was carefully transported to the Varna Archaeological Museum for further examination. The move involved heavy equipment and assistance from the Regional Department for Fire Safety and Civil Protection, ensuring the delicate artifact was relocated without damage.

The case has also been reported to the prosecutor’s office, reflecting the significance of the find and the necessity for legal oversight in its investigation.

Ruins of the Roman Odesos Thermae in Varna, Bulgaria. (Edal Anton Lefterov/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Investigating Authenticity and Historical Significance

Milen Marinov, an expert with the local history museum, is part of the team tasked with examining the sarcophagus. Marinov revealed that the team has begun the meticulous process of removing paint from the sarcophagus to uncover any remaining original coloring and to study the techniques used in its creation.

Marinov said of the ongoing examination:

“We want to see what is under it, whether any of the original coloring has remained, what technique was used to make it – all of the information that will tell us if the sarcophagus is authentic. We have just started, we can’t say anything for sure.”

The investigation aims to determine whether the sarcophagus is an authentic Roman artifact, a touched-up original, or a modern creation designed to appear ancient. Marinov highlighted the challenges in such assessments, noting that there are numerous methods to artificially age objects to make them appear older than they are. This thorough analysis is crucial in verifying the sarcophagus’s authenticity and historical value.

A Glimpse into Roman History on the Bulgarian Coast

The discovery of the Roman sarcophagus on the beach near Varna could add to the rich historical evidence discovered in the region. Varna, is known for its prehistoric heritage of the 7000-year-old Varna culture, including a Copper Age necropolis holding the spectacular and now world famous Varna Man grave.

Ancient Varna, became a Thracian settlement and later an Ancient Greek colony, and then part of the Roman Empire in 15 AD. The Roman baths or thermae in Varna were constructed in the late 2nd century and used until the late 3rd century. Coins from the reign of Roman emperor Septimius Severus have been found among the ruins. In the 14th century, the bath ruins housed craftsmen’s workshops.

The discovery of the sarcophagus on the beach, whether authentic or a remarkable reproduction, the sarcophagus stands as a testament to the enduring allure of ancient history and the ongoing efforts to preserve and understand our shared cultural heritage.

We can only hope the current mystery of how it arrived on the beach is soon resolved.

Top image: The Roman sarcophagus found on a Varna beach, Bulgaria.               Source: Bulgaria Ministry of the Interior

By Gary Manners