Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ancient Sarcophagus Hid as Garden Pot for Centuries
Ancient Sarcophagus Hid as Garden Pot for Centuries
19 Jun
Summary
- A Roman sarcophagus lay undiscovered as a garden pot for nearly two centuries.
- The artifact dates back to the 3rd century CE and depicts Dionysus and Hercules.
- Experts estimate the sole surviving marble panel is worth around £300,000.
A stunning Roman sarcophagus, crafted around the 3rd century CE, has been rediscovered after being used as a garden ornament for nearly two centuries at Blenheim Palace in England. The carved marble panel, depicting a revelry of Dionysus and Hercules, was integrated into a garden tub, serving first as a water feature and then as a planter.
Despite numerous historical references and sketches by artists like Battista Franco Veneziano before 1530, its true value remained unrecognized by the palace. It was only in 2016 that an visiting antiquities expert urged staff to investigate the object, which had been part of the palace's grounds since the 19th century.
The sole surviving marble section, measuring approximately 2 meters in length and weighing close to 400 kilograms, has undergone careful restoration. Conservators noted its remarkable condition despite exposure to harsh elements. Valued at an estimated £300,000, the artifact is now displayed indoors, preserved from the elements for future generations.
The exact circumstances of how the sarcophagus came into the possession of the 5th Duke of Marlborough in the 19th century remain a mystery. Many visitors likely assumed it was a reproduction, while others simply assumed the palace staff were already aware of its significance.
