Roman sarcophagus with a ‘Maltese Cross’ found in Diyarbakir

Within the scope of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s investment program, a sarcophagus with a Maltese cross on it was found during the restoration

During the archaeological excavations in Diyarbakir, a limestone sarcophagus with a two-part lid and a monolithic vessel were found about 4.5 meters deep in the ground.

The sarcophagus, cleaned by expert restorers, is temporarily displayed at the Ickale Museum Complex.

Cemil Koc, Director of Diyarbakir Survey and Monuments, told Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent that they are carrying out restoration work on bastions 75 and 76 of the walls in Ickale, which constitutes the first settlement area of Diyarbakir.

Explaining that they had previously carried out a 4.5-meter-deep excavation to uncover the ground-floor entrance of Bastion 75, Koc said there was a need for drainage because underground water was discovered when descending to the bastion’s ground levels.

Highlighting that the sarcophagus was removed and opened under the supervision of experts, Koc said that the bones found in the sarcophagus were taken to Gaziantep University’s laboratories for testing and that the data to be obtained as a result of the studies will be shared later.

Stating that they continued their work in the area between Saint George Church, the old prison and bastion number 75, Koc recalled that they had similarly come across single graves.

“This is most probably the church’s cemetery area. Excavations continue, and similar data may emerge. As a result of archaeological excavations, a sarcophagus was found for the first time in Diyarbakir,” Koc continued.

Koc added that the sarcophagus is currently being temporarily exhibited in front of the old prison building in Ickale.

He noted they plan to exhibit it on the side of the Saint George Church after the landscaping.

Source: Newsroom