Sixth-Century Visigoth Sarcophagus Has Been Excavated Fully Intact In Spain
Image via University Of Murica
Archaeologists from the University of Murica (UMU) have uncovered a well-preserved Visigoth coffin at Los Villaricos, Spain. The sandstone sarcophagus was excavated over the course of two weeks in July.
The rare find, intricately carved with a spiral motif, measures six and a half feet-long, and has ivy leaves adorning its lid. Inside the sarcophagus, researchers found a complete set of human remains, with another body possibly at the former’s feet.
UMU professor Rafael González Fernández led the research team, made up of other archaeologists Francisco Fernández Matallana, José Antonio Zapata Parra, and José Javier Martínez García.
“As we cleaned what looked like a sculptural element, it turned into a spectacular sarcophagus. Its chronology, in the absence of more detailed analysis and studies, would be around the 6th or even the 7th century,” González Fernández told ARTnews.
The coffin’s headboard features a religious marker, known as a Tau-Rho, together with inverted alpha and omega symbols. These symbols were commonly used to signify “the beginning and end,” in reference to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Under Roman rule, Los Villaricos was a rural settlement with a large villa. It comprised a residential area, thermal baths, and industrial processing facilities for oil and wine. It was then taken over by the Visigoths as a burial ground, with the principal hall in the old villa being turned into a church.
The excavation project focused on three main areas: cleaning a possible water source of the town, examining the “pool area,” and uncovering the remaining tombs, of which this find is a part of. Other excavations in the vicinity have unearthed a central courtyard, mosaics, ceramics, tile pavements, limestone, and coins.
Image via University Of Murica
Image via University Of Murica
[via ARTnews, images via University Of Murica]
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