Roman sarcophagi at construction site

AMASYA - Anadolu Agency

Workers discovered the first Roman sarcophagus during the ground excavation. The construction was stopped and a rescue excavation started. AA photo

At least seven sarcophagi and human bones from the Roman age have been discovered during construction work in the northern province of Amasya.

Workers at the site discovered the first Roman sarcophagus during the ground excavation and notified the experts from Amasya Museum. The construction was immediately stopped and a rescue excavation by archeologists started hastily.

Archeologists discovered seven sarcophagi, human bones and traces of settlements during the excavation. The findings will reportedly be taken under the protection of a heritage council in nearby Samsun city.

Amasya is one of the oldest settlements in Turkey with a history that goes back as early as 5500 BC. The city had remained under Roman and Byzantian rule between 70 BC and 1075.