Italy: Ancient Roman sarcophagus unearthed at Ostia Antica

Rime: An intact terracotta sarcophagus dating from the second century AD has been unearthed alongside the archaeological site of Ostia Antica, in a surprise discovery, reports Rome daily newspaper Il Messaggero.

Inside the sarcophagus are the preserved remains of an original inhabitant of Rome’s ancient port city, who lived more than 1,800 years ago.

The discovery occurred by pure chance, during recent maintenance works on a private property adjacent to the archaeological park, near the Castle of Giulio II.

They also carried out dental analysis on the man who had lost a total of 19 teeth by the time of his death.

Archaeologists believe that based on the terracotta sarcophagus the man was of “simple, humble social character.”