Sarcophagus Found In Diyarbakır Belongs To The Roman Period!
Sarcophagus found during restoration works on historical city walls in Diyarbakır
First sarcophagus found in the city
In the central Sur district, restoration work continues on the damaged sections of the 5,000-year-old Diyarbakır city walls, which are on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Teams investigating the area detected a Roman “sarcophagus” between the bastion number 75 and Saint George Church, the first of its kind in the city.
Temporarily on display at the İçkale Museum Complex
The sarcophagus, which has 2 lids, is 2 meters 24 centimeters long and 82 centimeters high, was removed with a crane with sensitive work. The examination of the hull part of the sarcophagus revealed that it was made of monolithic limestone.
Stating that a sarcophagus was found at the entrance of the right side of the bastion during the archaeological excavations, Koç said:
“The lid part of the sarcophagus consists of two parts. The boat part also consists of a monolithic whole. The sarcophagus is made of limestone, length 224, width 82, height 116 centimeters. On one side of the sarcophagus, there is a cross, which we define as the ‘Maltese Cross’, in a circular circle formed with relief technique. On the lid, on the front sides of the lotus parts, there is also a cross created with the pickaxe technique.”
Stating that they continue their work in the area between Saint George Church, the old prison and the bastion number 75, Koç continued as follows:
“Most probably this is the cemetery area of the church. Excavations continue. It is possible to find similar data. As a result of the archaeological excavations, a sarcophagus was found for the first time in Diyarbakır.”
