The 1,700 year old sarcophagus was discovered last year in a pit sealed with cement and is preparing to undergo lab testing. The find is unusual for a number of reasons. Romans generally cremated their dead. Among the uncommon Roman burials in sarcophagi, only a few hundred have been discovered in lead coffins. Of these lead coffins, most are rectangular in shape. The one found in Gabii has been described as having a burrito shape.
Archaeologists have not made much progress so far with the find. The coffin was not discovered with any grave goods, and x-ray and CT scans are not able to penetrate the lead. It is being transported to the American Academy in Rome for further testing, where scientists hope to get a glimpse inside without having to open the coffin completely.
Researchers hope the sarcophagus will lead to new insights into the Gabii civilization. Jeffrey Becker, a Roman archaeologist, notes that the lead "is a sure marker of somebody of some kind of substance," since lead was highly valuable during the time of the burial. Previous such sarcophogi have held elite clerical members, soldiers, and gladiators.
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