Israel unveils 1,800-year-old stone coffin

Israel on Thursday displayed to the media an 1,800-year-old coffin discovered by construction workers at the site of a development project.

According to the Associated Press, officials from the Israel Antiquities Authority described the coffin as "one of the most important and beautiful historical objects ever found in Israel."

This stone coffin weighs about 2 tons and has a life-size relief depicting a man wearing a robe.

Various other images and designs are also carved on its side walls, including the face of Medusa, a legendary figure from ancient Greek mythology.

The Associated Press reported, quoting archaeologist Gaby Mazur, that the coffin dates back to the third century AD and likely belonged to a wealthy Roman family.

According to Yuli Schwartz, a spokeswoman for the Israel Antiquities Authority, parts of the ancient coffin were damaged when construction workers discovered and removed it.

The workers initially planned to hide the coffin, and Schwartz said legal action will be taken.