Roman sarcophagus discovered in the sacred area of Porolissum (Romania)

Romania's Nine O'Clock reports the discovery — the first ever — of a Roman sarcophagus at ancient Porolissum, capital of Dacia Porolissensis.

The limestone chest and lid apparently lack adornment and are clearly unfinished.  Judging from the lid's four corner acroterial projections and its double-pitched roof, however, the carver was following eastern rather than metropolitan Roman models.  This choice might seem a bit unexpected for a Latin-speaking province — but is perhaps less surprising in light of Porolissensis's Transylvanian location and proximity to eastern centers.

The large notch cut in the lid, showing signs of discoloration, is intriguing.  Perhaps a sign of reuse?  Reuse might also account for the coffin's unusual find spot:  not in the town's necropolis outside the Roman castrum, but rather "within the sacred area".  (of Liber Pater? of Nemesis?  We're not told.)