Roman sarcophagus found by ex‑cop on deserted Bulgarian beach

An extraordinary discovery was made in the resort area of Saints Constantine and Helena, near Varna in northern Bulgaria. On a deserted beach, a retired policeman found a casket from the Roman era.

Local Bulgarian media is widely reporting the discovery. The former police officer, while walking around the area, came across an unusually decorated object measuring 35 x 93 x 30 inches.

The man informed the local police station about the find, which then contacted experts from the archaeological museum in Varna and the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture.

Historians say this is a Roman-era artifact dating back to the 2nd-3rd century AD. The coffin is characterized by rich decorations, including wreaths, garlands, images of animal heads, and plant and weapon motifs.

The artifact was found on the coast, on a deserted beach, near a hotel building that has not yet been put into use.

The coffin is covered with a marble slab, which - as it turns out - could have served as a table. The archaeological team is currently trying to remove a layer of white paint on the object, hoping it has not caused significant damage.

The circumstances in which the coffin ended up on the beach remain unknown. According to archaeologists, it may have been transported from the northern part of the country, which is rich in archaeological monuments. It certainly wasn't washed up by the sea, said the head of the museum.

The police are investigating the origin of the sarcophagus, and the find has been handed over to the archaeological museum in Varna.