In a Roman grave, archaeologists unearth a 1,600-pound coffin containing unusual items: 'An exceptional discovery'

During a recent highway construction project in England, an ancient Roman cemetery was discovered, containing a grave filled with a mysterious substance.

Last week, National Highways, a government-owned transportation authority in England, announced the discovery of an unusual coffin on the A47 road, which connects Birmingham to Suffolk.

Officials stated that the stone coffin, hand-carved and left undisturbed for over 1,500 years, was discovered during a Roman-era burial site excavation. Additionally, twenty-three other graves were found nearby, suggesting a familial or community burial site.

As highway workers worked to upgrade the highway, they stumbled upon a "small Roman roadside cemetery" during their discovery.

The A47 road between Wansford and Sutton near Peterborough is partially aligned with an ancient Roman road, according to National Highways.

The coffin, weighing approximately 1,600 pounds and measuring 6½ feet, was deemed a rare find by authorities.

"Around 50 stone coffins have been discovered in Roman Britain, which is relatively uncommon."

The reason gypsum was inside the coffin is unknown, but experts estimate that it was made between 43 A.D. and 410 A.D.

The coffin could be that of a prominent member of the community, according to National Highways.

"The reason for bodies being encased in plaster is uncertain. It's possible that this was done for the burial of a wealthy individual."

Archaeologists began the meticulous process of extracting bones from the plaster, and some of the fragments displayed the traces of the cloth the body had been wrapped in.

The plaster molded to the shape of the body, and experts discovered other peculiarities in the nearby graves, including what could have been a young woman's dowry.

The organization stated that a young woman's grave contained a collection of valuables, which could be her dowry for the afterlife.

"Glass and ceramic drinking vessels were found in the grave, possibly used for a final toast or a commemorative anniversary."

Ancient Roman discoveries are not uncommon in the United Kingdom.

In London, a 2,000-year-old road, constructed following the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 A.D., was unearthed last fall.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Ashlyn Messier contributed to this report.