The burial was found in the ancient necropolis of the French city of Autun, where they were previously buried, as a rule, in coffins made of wood and sandstone.
During excavations in the ancient necropolis of the French city of Autun, the team of the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) discovered previously unknown burials, one of which contained a mysterious airtight lead sarcophagus. This find is reported on the Inrap website.
In ancient times, the Roman city of Augustunum was located on the site of Autun. There is also one of the oldest early Christian churches in France, Saint-Pierre, next to which a necropolis was found, which was actively used from the middle of the 3rd century to the 5th century. But some of the burials are dated even to the 18th century. However, the recently discovered sarcophagus has lain in the ground for about 1,500 years.
The burial is a double coffin. The outer part is carved in stone, and a lead box is placed inside. Preliminary examination showed that the sarcophagus is airtight.
Scientists plan to open the sarcophagus sealed for many centuries. They believe that inside they will be able to find well-preserved ritual objects, as well as the clothes of a buried person. One of the legends says that Amator, the first bishop of Authen, was buried on the territory of this necropolis.
It is noted that lead sarcophagi are rare in this part of France. At the moment, only eight such graves have been found in Autun. The dead were buried here, as a rule, in coffins made of wood and sandstone.