Beachgoers Unknowingly Sip Cocktails on What Turns Out to Be Second-Century Roman Coffin

In an unexpected twist of holiday resort life, a beachside bar in Bulgaria became the center of archaeological excitement when its decorative table turned out to be a 1,700-year-old Roman sarcophagus. The ancient relic was discovered at the Radjana Beach Bar near Varna, on the Black Sea coast, where it had been used to serve drinks to unassuming tourists for years.

The remarkable find came to light when a vacationing former police officer noticed something unusual about the ornate table at the St. Constantine and Elena beachfront. His observation led to a swift response from local authorities and archaeologists, who confirmed the table’s true identity as a genuine Roman artifact.

Dating back to the second century AD, the limestone coffin boasts intricate designs typical of Roman funerary art, including garlands, animal rosettes, and a double-headed axe known as a labrys. The eight-foot-long sarcophagus had been repurposed as a bar, with its original lid replaced by a modern stone slab.

Milen Marinov, a restorer at the Varna Historical Museum, shared insights into the ongoing examination process: “We want to see what is under it, whether any of the original coloring has remained, what technique was used to make it – all of the information that will tell us if the sarcophagus is authentic. We have just started, we can’t say anything for sure.” The team is carefully removing layers of facade paint to uncover any remaining original coloring and study the craftsmanship.

Archaeologist Alexander Minchev and his colleagues confirmed the artifact’s authenticity after a thorough inspection. They believe the sarcophagus likely originated from another region in Bulgaria, as its design differs from typical Roman artifacts found in Varna.

The discovery has prompted officials to launch a pre-trial investigation into how this valuable piece of history ended up as casual beach furniture. Minchev emphasized the legal obligation to turn over such finds on Bulgarian National Television, stating, “Every object that has archaeological value, regardless of where, when and by whom it was found, belongs to the state.”

This unusual case highlights the ongoing issue of artifact trafficking in Bulgaria. In recent years, authorities have seized thousands of archaeological items, underscoring the importance of proper artifact identification and preservation.

The ancient sarcophagus has now been moved to the Archaeological Museum in Varna for further study and safekeeping. As experts continue their investigation, beachgoers and history enthusiasts are left to marvel at the extraordinary journey of this Roman relic at its rightful place – in the museum.

Sources: 1, 2, 3