Archaeologists unearth ancient Roman burials beneath bustling district of coastal tourist destination

Archaeologists in Zadar uncovered ancient Roman graves beneath a modern district, shedding light on centuries of burial practices and evolving cultural traditions in the Adriatic city.(iStock;Odjel za arheologiju, Sveučilište u Zadru via Facebook)

Across the wider Relja area, including a major shopping center and various landmarks, archaeologists have uncovered 3,000 graves, according to the department.

ANCIENT ROMAN THEATER DISCOVERED BENEATH TOWN HALL THANKS TO MASSIVE EARTHQUAKES

“Today, the area where the site is located is one of the most vibrant and fast-developing parts of Zadar,” the post said.“However, back in Roman times, when the necropolis was first established, it lay [in] the suburban area.”

Around 15 ancient burials were found at the site, said Igor Borzić, a professor at the University of Zadar.

“Over time, these burials tend to include fewer grave goods, reflecting a gradual shift in attitudes toward the afterlife.”

The burials “clearly illustrate the typical evolution of funerary practices over the centuries,�

“In the first and second centuries A.D., cremation was dominant,” he said, with grave goods including “items such as glass balsamaria, small glass vessels,ceramic bowls, oil lamps, coinsand other offerings.”

‘HERMETICALLY SEALED’ ROMAN SARCOPHAGUS FROZEN IN TIME FOR 1,700 YEARS FINALLY OPENED BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS

By the second century, inhumation, or body burials, “became increasingly common.”

“Over time,” he said, “these burials tend to include fewer grave goods, reflecting a gradual shift in attitudes toward the afterlife, as well as broader changes inreligious beliefs— from pagan traditions of classical antiquity to the eventual dominance of Christianity.”

Read More → EXCLUSIVE: ‘Phantom employees’scandal spurs GOP crackdown on $36B incentive for companies to bypass Americans

The Relja neighborhood, now a commercial hub, sits atop thousands of graves from Zadar’s Roman past.(Odjel za arheologiju, Sveučilište u Zadru via Facebook)

“Overall, the finds from these 15 or so graves show that the population of Roman Iader closely followed the cultural and religious trends seen across thewider Roman Empire.This further supports the idea of a highly interconnected, culturally cohesive and trend-sensitive society within such a vast imperial system.”

Read More → Canada confirms hantavirus case linked to cruise ship outbreak that has killed three passengers

While the discovery may seem unusual beneath a modern city, Borzić said such finds are not unexpected in Zadar.

health and causes of death.”

“It is precisely in this area that we believe new and potentially surprising information may still come to light,” he said.

Archaeologists say the burial site reflects a gradual shift from cremation to inhumation in Roman-era Croatia.(Odjel za arheologiju, Sveučilište u Zadru via Facebook)

Key finds include a burial that may predate Roman Zadar, likely from the prehistoric Liburnian period, as well as “carbonized remains” from the second or third century A.D.

Borzić said the remains werelikely food or grainsand will be sent for analysis.

Read More → Sugar Ray Leonard’s son Daniel Leonard arrested after alleged restraining order violation, police say

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

The archaeologist added that artifacts from the site will be “carefully processed and studied” before being temporarily displayed in theDepartment of Archaeology’s collection.

The site has yielded 20th-century artifacts from the Italian occupation of Zadar as well, said Borzić — which “serves as yet another reminder of the city’s enduring importance throughout its history.”

“It is difficult to say that anything truly unexpected has emerged, although every single find tells its own story and deserves to be approached as such,” said a professor at the University of Zadar.(Odjel za arheologiju, Sveučilište u Zadru via Facebook)

Read More → NEWT GINGRICH: Alzheimer’s is waging a war on millions.Congress could help us win it

“That importance largely stems from its strategic position alongmajor maritime routeson the eastern Adriatic, as well as from its exceptionally fertile agricultural hinterland,” he said.

onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

“Together, these factors ensured that Zadar remained a significant center across many different historical periods.”