Archaeologists Unseal Roman Sarcophagus Untouched for 1,700 Years

Archaeologists in Budapest have opened a Roman sarcophagus sealed for 17 centuries. The stone coffin, found during a rescue excavation, was completely intact when discovered. The team carefully opened the heavy lead-lined lid. Inside, they found the skeleton of an adult and several precious artifacts. These grave goods included an amber ring, a bone comb, and a perfume bottle. Such items suggest the individual held a high social status. The sarcophagus dates to the 3rd century A.D., when the city was the Roman settlement of Aquincum. Its undisturbed condition is exceptionally rare for urban archaeology. Experts call the find a "time capsule." The sealed environment preserved the contents exactly as they were placed during the ancient burial ritual.