Archaeologists open a sealed Roman coffin that has been closed for 1,700 years and find a young woman surrounded by 140 coins, intact vases, and luxury items.

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 26/03/2026 at 22:17

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After the opening of a Roman coffin sealed for about 1,700 years, archaeologists found the remains of a young woman in Óbuda, north of Budapest, along with 140 coins and artifacts indicating high social status.

Discovery of a Roman coffin in Óbuda

The limestone Roman sarcophagus was discovered by staff from the Budapest History Museum during an excavation in Óbuda, an area that was once part of Aquincum, the ancient capital of the Roman province of Pannonia.

The stone lid was sealed with melted lead and metal clamps. When the researchers carefully lifted it, they found a complete skeleton surrounded by dozens of objects, in a rare find from Roman life.

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Objects found in the tomb

Among the items identified inside the Roman sarcophagus were two intact glass vases, bronze figures, and 140 coins.

There was also a hairpin shaped like a bone, an amber jewel, and remnants of fabric with gold threads.

According to the archaeologists, the size of the skeleton suggests that the remains may belong to a woman.

The combination of the coffin and the objects drew attention for their preservation and the wealth of material found.

Indications of high status

For Roman period specialist and project co-leader, Gergely Kostyál, the sarcophagus and its contents stand out.

He stated that this likely indicates that the buried person was wealthy or held a high social position.

Kostyál emphasized that it is rare to find an intact Roman sarcophagus like this one, never used before, because in the fourth century it was common to repurpose earlier sarcophagi.

Therefore, the discovery gained relevance among scholars.

Examinations and excavation area

Anthropologists will examine the remains of the young woman. The analysis may reveal details about age, health, and origins, expanding the information about the discovery made in Aquincum.

The coffin was located among the ruins of houses in a neighborhood of Aquincum that was later repurposed as a cemetery.

In the vicinity, scholars located a Roman aqueduct and eight graves, but none with similar preservation.

Emotion among researchers

The excavators removed a muddy layer of about four centimeters inside the coffin. The team believes this material may contain more treasures.

For the researchers, the Roman sarcophagus holds scientific importance and reveals the devotion demonstrated in Antiquity.

Archaeologist Gabriella Fényes said she was moved and stated that she still trembles at the thought of the pain of burying this young woman.

With information from Revista Planeta.