Archaeologists Open Untouched Roman Sarcophagus in Hungary After 1,700 Years
BUDAPEST, Hungary — December 3, 2025 — Archaeologists with the Budapest History Museum have opened a Roman sarcophagus that had remained sealed and undisturbed for nearly 1,700 years. The tomb was discovered in Óbuda, a northern district of Budapest known in Roman times as Aquincum, a significant settlement on the Danube River.
The sarcophagus was found in a 3rd-century burial ground among the ruins of abandoned houses. Its stone lid was secured with molten lead and metal clamps, preserving the contents in a hermetically sealed state. Lead archaeologist Gabriella Fényes described the find as “intact” and emphasized that the tomb had not been previously disturbed by looters.
Inside the sarcophagus, the team uncovered a complete skeleton along with dozens of artifacts, including two glass vessels, bronze figures, and approximately 140 coins. The burial is believed to be that of a young woman, based on the discovery of a bone hairpin, amber jewelry, and gold-threaded fabric. Fényes noted that these items were likely gifts from relatives intended for the deceased’s “eternal journey.”
“The deceased was buried very carefully by her relatives,” Fényes said. “They must have really loved who they buried here.” She expressed being moved by the evident care and affection shown in the burial, reflecting on the pain the family must have experienced.
Although eight other graves were found nearby, the condition of this particular tomb stood out for its preservation and the richness of its contents. Gergely Kostyál, an Ancient Rome specialist and co-leader of the excavation project, remarked that the artifacts suggest the individual was of higher social status or well-to-do.
Kostyál also highlighted the rarity of finding a sarcophagus that had never been reused, noting that in the 4th century it was common practice to repurpose earlier sarcophagi. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into Roman-era Aquincum and its burial customs.
The excavation provides valuable insight into the lives and social structures of the Roman inhabitants of the region, as well as the personal histories preserved within their burial practices.
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