1,700-Year-Old Roman Sarcophagus Unearthed in Caesarea Reveals Dionysus vs Hercules Scene!
A remarkable archaeological find has been uncovered on Israel’s Mediterranean coast: a 1,700-year-old Roman sarcophagus intricately carved from marble, depicting a lively drinking contest between Dionysus, the god of wine, and the legendary hero Hercules.
Discovered in the ancient port city of Caesarea, this is the first sarcophagus of its kind found in the region. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), working alongside the Caesarea Development Corporation, made the find during routine excavations earlier this year.
Photo Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority
Lead archaeologists Nohar Shahar and Shani Amit described the moment of discovery as something out of a film. “We were gently brushing away the fine dune sand when the tip of a marble object emerged,” they recalled. “As more of it was revealed, excitement grew – gods, animals, trees began to appear in stone. Each fragment was more extraordinary than the last.”
The scene uncovered was nothing short of spectacular: Hercules, slouched on a lion skin, clearly inebriated and holding a goblet, while Dionysus triumphs in their mythical drinking duel. It’s a dramatic depiction that captures Roman storytelling and beliefs about life, death, and what lies beyond.
Photo Credit: Shatil Emmanuilov, Israel Antiquities Authority
The sarcophagus had broken into multiple pieces, but thanks to the dedicated work of conservators Solomon Gavriel, Ilya Armanovsky, and Gadmo Vajpo, under the architectural guidance of Ido Rosental, the entire scene has now been restored. The detailed carving includes not only Dionysus and Hercules, but also mythological figures such as maenads, satyrs, Hermes, and Pan, flanked by big cats like lions and tigers.
According to the IAA, this is the first time this particular mythological drinking contest has been seen on a sarcophagus in Israel. While similar motifs have appeared in Roman mosaics in places like Zippori and Antioch, this burial depiction is unprecedented in the region.
Photo Credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority
Nohar Shahar explained the symbolism: “Rather than a sombre farewell, this is a celebration of the soul’s journey. The figures are there to accompany the deceased to the next world, where feasting, dancing, and drinking become symbols of freedom and transition.”
Interestingly, the sarcophagus was found outside the city walls of ancient Caesarea, prompting archaeologists to reconsider what they previously thought about the layout and wealth of Caesarea’s outskirts.
Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, emphasised the wider cultural value of the find. “It’s a discovery that challenges and enriches our understanding of Roman-era views on life and death. The sarcophagus is currently undergoing careful conservation so that it can soon be shared with the public.”
The restored sarcophagus will be officially unveiled on 12 June 2025, at “The Feast” conference held at the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv, a fitting setting for an artefact celebrating wine, revelry, and the passage to the afterlife.