For many, the sarcophagus has become synonymous with ancient burial rituals. The coffins were usually reserved for respected leaders and wealthy individuals, giving scientists much to learn from each specimen discovered over the centuries.
Although sarcophagi are often associated with ancient Egypt, they were also used in ancient Rome and GreeceA recent discovery at the Tomb of Cerberus in the Italian town of Giugliano outside Naples has taught archaeologists more about the preservation of bodies in ancient Roman society.
When a team of archaeologists opened the 2,000-year-old sarcophagus, they were shocked to find the remains of a person lying face up in an “excellent state of preservation,” according to a rack obtained by Popular mechanicsThe body was covered with a shroud of cloth and surrounded by typical grave gifts such as ointment pots and cleaning products for the body.
“The Tomb of Cerberus continues to provide valuable information about the Phlegraean area near Liternum, increasing knowledge of the past and offering opportunities for research of a multidisciplinary nature,” said Marian Nuzzo, superintendent of the Italian Ministry of Culture, in a statement.
Now the team is busy trying to find out more about the many things they have found.
“In recent months, laboratory analyses of samples from the graves and sediment beds have provided a significant amount of data on the treatment of the bodies of the deceased and the funeral rituals “Implanted, which significantly enriches the panorama of our knowledge,” Nuzzo said.
It must have been quite a funeral if people are still raving about it thousands of years later.
