(3 Sep 2015) LEAD IN
Israel has unveiled a 1,800-year-old sarcophagus that workers found at a building site and initially tried to conceal.
The Antiquities Authority is calling the sarcophagus "one of the most important and beautiful" ever found in Israel.
STORY-LINE :
The two-ton limestone coffin features a life-size carving of a human figure wearing a toga on the lid and designs around the sides, including a Medusa head.
Archaeologist Gaby Mazor says the piece dates back to the 3rd century and was likely commissioned by a wealthy Roman family.
"This is a very beautiful sarcophag (sarcophagus) decorated from all sides. From the symbols that were used you can imagine that it was probably not belonging to a Jewish family, but a pagan family. Those things were usually put in a mausoleum or right next to a mausoleum and they reflect the wealth of the family "
"They usually are done in a style that you find in other places in the Roman world, in Asia Minor and in the West, usually done in marble. This one is done in limestone, it's local, it was done by a local workshop and it dates probably to the 3rd century and reflects a Roman family" he adds.
An antiquities Authority Spokeswoman Yoli Shwartz says it was damaged when workers unearthed it at a construction site.
Contractors then hid the piece, fearing it would force them to halt work. The Antiquities Authority says legal action will be taken.
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