Rare, ancient coffin found on Cyprus

NICOSIA, Cyprus — Cyprus’ top archaeologist says a chance dig has unearthed a “very rare” 2,500-year-old marble sarcophagus in the shape of a woman.

Antiquities Department director Pavlos Flourentzos said the coffin, found at a construction site in the southern coastal town of Larnaca, has a “strong classical Greek influence.”

Flourentzos said Friday the coffin’s rarity rests on the fact that the marble used to build it was imported because none exists on the Mediterranean island.

The faint traces of paint the coffin retains are also rare. Flourentzos said a second marble coffin found at the site was meticulously crafted in the “form of a temple.”

He said tests will determine from which country the marble was imported.