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Archaeologists from Varna’s local history museum established this after removing part of the exterior paint that covered the precious find, Euronews reports.
The sarcophagus belongs to the so-called garland sarcophagi of Roman times, which are characterized by rich decoration. It is made of shell rock, which is unique to northwestern Bulgaria. The four sides of the sarcophagus are decorated with typical relief-style ornaments – garlands of hanging grapes, animal heads, rosettes and a double-edged axe.
Judging from the photos posted on social networks, the sarcophagus has long been used as a bar counter at one of the popular spots on the beach. Archaeologists say this raises serious questions about the protection of Bulgaria’s cultural heritage.
Archaeologist Alexander Minchev said in an interview with BNT TV channel that every object of archaeological value belongs to the state, no matter where, when and by whom it was found.
“That is, the person who found it is obliged to hand it over to the nearest museum,” Minchev said. “The police and possibly the prosecutor’s office should investigate how the sarcophagus ended up in Varna and on the beach.”
In late July, a former police officer on vacation in Varna noticed the sarcophagus and contacted the local police department.
The case has been handed over to prosecutors at the Varna Regional Prosecutor’s Office and pre-trial proceedings are ongoing, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported.
With the help of Varna’s Interior Ministry officials and heavy equipment, the heavy artifact was transported to the Archaeological Museum for storage pending further examination.
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