Archaeologists have found a Roman sarcophagus in Diyarbakir, Turkey. The scientists' attention was drawn to the image of the Maltese cross.
This was reported by Ancient origins.
The sarcophagus was found between the surveillance tower in the city´s famous defensive walls and Saint George Church. This is the first time that a sarcophagus from the Roman Empire has been found in Diyarbakir, making it an extremely important historical find.
The sarcophagus is carved with a perfectly preserved Maltese Cross. This religious symbol is associated with medieval Christianity and the Crusades, although its history goes back much further. This particular cross is unusual in that it has six sides, while most versions of the Maltese Cross have eight or four sides.
Measuring nearly seven feet (more than two meters) long and 32 inches (82 centimeters) high, the stone coffin was carved from a single piece of limestone and topped with two heavy lids placed side by side. Its style of construction is unique, and this is what helped researchers identify it as the work of Roman craftsmen.
The excavations that led to the discovery of the sarcophagus were linked to an ongoing restoration project in Diyarbakir that focuses on restoring the three-layer ancient walls that surround the oldest part of the city.
Earlier, we reported that archaeologists discovered an ancient Roman necropolis with unique artifacts.