First Roman stone coffin discovered in Diyarbakir, Türkiye

The online magazine "Archaeologist" reported the discovery of a Roman stone coffin within the ancient walls of Diyarbakir, on which was engraved a Maltese cross.

According to the online magazine Archaeologist, archaeologists made an exciting and unprecedented discovery while excavating in the ancient city of Diyarbakir. They discovered a Roman-era coffin while excavating part of a watchtower in the city's famous defensive walls and the Church of St. George.

This coffin, which contained the body of an unknown person, dates back to the Roman Empire in Diyarbakir and is of great historical importance. On the outer wall of this stone coffin, a Maltese cross is carved, which has survived intact. This religious symbol is associated with medieval Christianity and the Crusades; but this cross, which is called special, is special because it has six sides, while most versions of the Maltese cross have eight or four sides.

The discovery of the large coffin, which was discovered 4.5 meters deep in the ground, required a lot of effort and was made during restoration work to preserve the ancient walls that surround the oldest part of the city. The coffin, which is more than two meters long and 82 centimeters high, is carved from limestone and has two heavy lids placed side by side. Its unique style of construction has allowed researchers to identify it as the product of a Roman-era craftsman.

The coffin was found near the historic St. George Church, adding to a series of discoveries by archaeologists who suggested the area could be the church's cemetery. "Excavations are continuing and similar data may be obtained," Diyarbakir Survey Director Cemil Koc told Anadolu Agency.

The skeletal remains of the individual placed in the coffin will be subjected to radiocarbon dating to help researchers determine the age, sex, and time of life and death. The discovery of the coffin has allowed archaeologists to expand their underground exploration to see if they can uncover other wonders from the structure, which they say is very likely a church.