Rare archaeological find in Rijeka

Description:

A completely preserved sarcophagus has been found in the old part of Rijeka. The stone sarcophagus probably dates back to the fourth or fifth century. Josip Visnjic, the head of the archaeological team who found the sarcophagus, said it would be opened in a few days and probably contained the remains of a very rich or important person.The sarcophagus was found near the remains of a structure that appears to be an early Christian basilica with intact floor mosaics.The excavation was conducted by the Croatian Conservation Institute and supported by the city of Rijeka, which contributed two million kunas or 273,000 Euros from its monument annuity fund. Roman thermae built in two stages in the first and fourth centuries are also located in the area near the basilica.