Hellenistic sarcophagi found near the ancient Greek city of Parion

Three sarcophagi dating to the Hellenistic era have been unearthed during excavations to repair a burst water pipe in the northwestern Turkish province of Çanakkale’s Biga district.

The three sarcophagi were found accidentally while repairing a burst water pipe [Credit: AA]

Two of the sarcophagi were opened and gold jewellery was found in one of them, while nothing of "financial value" was found in the other.

The tombs, which were completely removed from the ground, are thought to belong to an extension of the necropolis of the ancient Greek city of Parion, which is two kilometres away from the area.

The field in which the tombs were found was taken under protection by gendarmes.

A handful of gold beads, a ring, three "bullet-sized gold pieces", two brooches and a mirror without a handle were among the artefacts discovered in the sarcophagi.

The lids of two of the three sarcophagi were broken during the pipe repair attempt.

Examination will reveal more information about the sarcophagi, the officials said.

Source: Hurriyet Daily News [September 29, 2016]