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Roman-era sarcophagus discovered in Gaza Strip during excavation works in cemetery

A second Roman-era lead sarcophagus has been uncovered in the Gaza Strip, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Gaza announced on Sunday. The sarcophagus was found during excavation works in a cemetery north of Gaza City. It is the second lead sarcophagus to be found in the area this year.

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Roman-era sarcophagus discovered in Gaza Strip during excavation works in cemetery

A Roman-era lead sarcophagus was uncovered in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, the second such discovery this year.

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Roman-era sarcophagus discovered in Gaza Strip during excavation works in cemetery

"A second lead sarcophagus was found during excavation works in a cemetery north of Gaza," Jamal Abu Raida of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Gaza told Anadolu.

"The sarcophagus belongs to dignitaries in the Roman era," he added.

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Roman-era sarcophagus discovered in Gaza Strip during excavation works in cemetery

In February, Palestinian authorities uncovered a lead coffin in the same cemetery that was discovered north of Gaza last year.

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Roman-era sarcophagus discovered in Gaza Strip during excavation works in cemetery

"The sarcophagus will be transferred to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to conduct studies and research with the assistance of French and other international experts and archaeologists," Abu Raida said.

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Roman-era sarcophagus discovered in Gaza Strip during excavation works in cemetery

Palestinian authorities estimate that around 125 Roman-era cemeteries have been discovered in Gaza.

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Roman-era sarcophagus discovered in Gaza Strip during excavation works in cemetery

Gaza was one of the ancient cities of the world. It was ruled by the Pharaohs, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Muslims.