Archaeologists discover stunning sarcophagus in Israel’s historic heartland

Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered a rare and remarkable sarcophagus, shedding new light on ancient art and culture in the region.

A rare 1,700-year-old marble sarcophagus depicting a drinking contest between the Greek gods Hercules and Dionysus was uncovered near the ancient city of Caesarea on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, Caliber.Az reports via Independent.

Dating back to the second or third century AD, the sarcophagus was found just outside the city walls of Caesarea, a historic site still under active excavation. This discovery highlights the archaeological significance of the area beyond the city limits, suggesting the surrounding region was densely inhabited during the Roman period.

“We began removing the soft, light sand of the dune when suddenly the tip of a marble object popped up,” said Nohar Shahar and Shani Amit from the Israel Antiquities Authority. “The entire excavation team stood around excitedly and as we cleared more sand, we couldn't believe what we were seeing.”

The sarcophagus is richly decorated with images of animals, trees, the demigod Hercules, and Dionysus, the god of wine and revelry. Dr Shahar noted, “This is the very first time we find the Dionysus and Hercules wine competition scene on a burial coffin in our region.”

Discovered in fragments, each piece revealed was “more impressive than the one before.” In the final hour of excavation, an intact side surfaced, showing Hercules reclining on a lion’s skin, holding a cup — a scene indicating Hercules “as someone who is no longer able to stand,” symbolizing the outcome of the drinking contest.

Conservators are now restoring and assembling the sarcophagus. While Dionysus procession scenes are common on sarcophagi from this era, Dr Shahar explained that this drinking contest motif, familiar in Roman art, has previously appeared in local mosaics at Zippori and Antioch.

The imagery carries profound symbolism. “They are in fact accompanying the dead on his last journey, when drinking and dancing are transformed into a symbol of liberation and transition to life in the next world,” Dr Shahar said. “This sarcophagus offers an unusual perspective of the idea of death – not as an end, but as the beginning of a new path.”

Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, described the find as “thought-provoking,” shedding light on Roman-era beliefs and daily life in the region.

By Naila Huseynova