The Pyrénées-Orientales Archaeological Service unearthed a limestone sarcophagus on Wednesday during excavations in Elne.
The excavations had been undertaken as part of work carried out in the lower part of the city.
They were following the discovery a few days earlier of a large necropolis dating from the end of the Roman era, reports
L'Indépendant
.
A delicate operation
The sarcophagus was under 3.2 m of earth.
It delighted the specialists of the Departmental Archaeological Service with its very good condition and the presence of its stone lid.
Once spotted, the artifact was difficult to clear.
The site is indeed located in a narrow street.
Technicians took several days to get the antique object out using rarely used means.
The 1,500-year-old sarcophagus has been transferred to the premises of the experts, the Department said on Twitter on Wednesday.
It should be open soon and thus provide archaeologists and historians with valuable information.
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