In a surprising discovery, a nearly 2000-year-old Roman sarcophagus, which had been used as a table in a beach bar in Bulgaria, has been recovered by local authorities. The story came to light when a group of archaeologists conducting excavations in the Rhodope Mountains region realized that the object being used as beach furniture in a tourist establishment was not, in fact, a simple decorative element.
This sarcophagus, dating back to the 2nd century AD, features inscriptions and reliefs that reveal details about the personality to whom it belonged and about the cost of living in ancient Rome. Specialists in Roman history have confirmed its authenticity, and its remarkable state of preservation is noteworthy, despite being exposed to the elements and the careless use by tourists.
Elena Dimitrova, cultural heritage advisor for the region, emphasized the importance of this discovery, not only for its historical value, but also for its significance to the local identity. “This sarcophagus bears witness to a time when the region was under the influence of the Roman Empire, and its recovery is essential for a better understanding of our past,” Dimitrova declared.
Municipal authorities have begun a process to preserve the sarcophagus and plan to move it to a local museum, where it will be exhibited to the public. At the same time, the archaeological community has called on owners of tourist establishments to be more respectful of the region’s historical heritage and to avoid using ancient artifacts as decorative or functional elements.
This surprising event has generated great interest among both residents and tourists, who now see Bulgaria not only as a tourist destination for its beaches and mountains, but also as a place rich in history and culture. The case of the Roman sarcophagus has highlighted the need to protect and value the cultural heritages that still remain in the ground, often unrecognized.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
