The ancient coffin dates back to the 6th or 7th century and is adorned with wavy lines and ivy leaf patterns.
A research team led by Rafael González Fernández, a professor of ancient history at the University of Murcia, discovered a Visigoth coffin at a Roman cemetery in Los Villaricos, Mula, in southern Spain, as reported by Murcia Today on July 18. This find is part of a summer archaeological campaign expected to last two weeks, starting from July 12.
The nearly intact 1,500-year-old coffin. (Photo: University of Murcia).
“We did not expect to make such an astonishing discovery,” Fernández shared. The coffin measures approximately 2 meters long and dates back to the 6th or 7th century, remaining in remarkably good condition.
The coffin is decorated with wavy lines and ivy leaf motifs, and at the head of the skeleton lies the Chi Rho symbol. This symbol was first used during the reign of Emperor Constantine (Roman Emperor from 306 – 337 AD). It consists of the first two letters of the name Jesus Christ in Greek: chi (X) and rho (P). Later, Chi Rho became one of the official emblems of Rome and appeared in many early Christian artworks, symbolizing victory over death.
The Los Villaricos site in Mula was a large agricultural area during Roman times along the Mula River. Evidence suggests that this site was inhabited for hundreds of years. The area is extensive, with some parts yet to be excavated. Los Villaricos also preserves many remnants of agricultural activities, including an olive press and storage facilities for locally produced olive oil.
By the early 6th century, the agricultural land was abandoned, coinciding with the fall of the Roman Empire. However, a small number of Roman inhabitants continued to live in the surrounding area. A distinct semicircular building was constructed during this period for religious purposes. Nearby, a cemetery formed, with the deceased buried close to the walls.
This cemetery is where the research team from the University of Murcia found the coffin engraved with the Chi Rho symbol. Authorities, independent researchers, and students are collaborating to further investigate this new discovery.
