Saved from an illegal excavation, a decorated sarcophagus uncovered last September in Ashkelon, Israel, is now safely in the custody of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). It depicts a reclining man with hair curled in a Roman style—possibly representing the deceased—on the cover of the sarcophagus. The sides of the 8-foot-long, 2-ton sarcophagus feature bulls’ heads, naked cupids, wreaths and grape clusters, as well as a depiction of Medusa, the Greek monster (or Gorgon) with snakes for hair and a face so hideous that whoever gazed upon it was turned to stone. It was believed that a representation of Medusa would protect the person who displayed it—in this case protect the deceased.
Sadly, Medusa failed to strike fear in the hearts of the building contractors who came across the sarcophagus while they were digging at a construction site last August. The contractors recognized that if the authorities found out about the sarcophagus, they would want to undertake a salvage excavation, which would disrupt their project. Not wanting any delays, the contractors pulled the sarcophagus out with a tractor—irreparably damaging it in the process—and hid it under a pile of boards and sheet metal. They further tried to hide their activities by pouring a concrete floor over the discovery spot.
Fortunately, during a nighttime raid, the IAA discovered the sarcophagus and moved it to a safe location. The building contractors will be prosecuted for failing to report the discovery and for damaging an ancient site. If convicted, they could spend up to five years in prison. This severe potential sentence shows how seriously Israel treats issues of looting.
Saved from an illegal excavation, a decorated sarcophagus uncovered last September in Ashkelon, Israel, is now safely in the custody of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). It depicts a reclining man with hair curled in a Roman style—possibly representing the deceased—on the cover of the sarcophagus. The sides of the 8-foot-long, 2-ton sarcophagus feature bulls’ heads, naked cupids, wreaths and grape clusters, as well as a depiction of Medusa, the Greek monster (or Gorgon) with snakes for hair and a face so hideous that whoever gazed upon it was turned to stone. It was believed that a representation of […]
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