The excavations were conducted prior to start of construction at the site, located near the Stadio Olympico in Rome, Italy. The sarcophagus is believed to date to between 3rd and 4th century AD.

The tombs were found at a depth of about 2.5 metres on the Northwest slope of Rome’s Monte Mario, behind the stadium’s north curve, during work to place utility service pipes underground. Beside the sarcophagus archaeologists also discovered burials of children from a well-off Roman family. The finds were removed and brought to the special superintendency’s workshops in Rome for analysis, study, and restoration in the coming months.

(after ANSAmed)