A rare Roman-era marble sarcophagus depicting a mythological drinking contest between Dionysus and Hercules has been uncovered in Caesarea during an excavation by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
“It was like a scene out of a movie,” said Nohar Shahar and Shani Amit, Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists, in a statement. “We began removing the soft, light sand of the dune, when suddenly the tip of a marble object popped up. The entire excavation team stood around excitedly, and as we cleared more sand, we couldn't believe what we were seeing – parts of a sarcophagus, upon which figures were carved: gods, animals, and trees.
5 View gallery
Sarcophogus side panel showing Hercules in drinking contest
(Photo: Emil Eljam, Israel Antiquities Authority)
"Each uncovered fragment was more impressive than the one before. In fact, in the very last hour of the excavation came the climax – an entire intact side of the sarcophagus, which was buried in the sand, was uncovered, which portrays the scene of Hercules lying on a lion skin, holding a cup in his hand.”
The broken sarcophagus was transferred to the IAA’s conservation lab, where specialists Solomon Gavriel, Ilya Armanovsky and Gadmo Vajpo, along with architect Ido Rosental, cleaned, reconstructed and reassembled the fragments.
The restored scene shows Dionysus at the center, surrounded by a jubilant entourage of maenads, satyrs, Hermes, Pan, tigers and lions.
“This is the very first time we find the Dionysus and Hercules wine competition scene on a burial coffin in our region,” said Shahar. “While processions of the wine god Dionysus are a familiar motif in 2nd and 3rd centuries CE sarcophagi, yet this particular drinking contest scene – a familiar Roman art motif, is known to us here primarily in mosaics – such as those discovered in Zippori and Antioch.
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play: https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv
According to Shahar, the imagery represents more than celebration. “In this case, it seems that the figures are not only celebrating – they are in fact accompanying the dead on his last journey, when drinking and dancing are transformed into a symbol of liberation and transition to life in the next world. This sarcophagus offers an unusual perspective of the idea of death – not as an end, but as the beginning of a new path.”
5 View gallery
The sarchophogus following preservation efforts
(Photo: Shtil Imannuelov, Israel Antiquities Authority)
So, who won the drinking contest? “Hercules' condition, depicted on the sarcophagus as someone who is no longer able to stand, points to the obvious answer: Dionysus," Shahar said.
The sarcophagus was discovered just outside the ancient city walls of Caesarea, in an area where other archaeological finds have also been uncovered. “It suggests the area outside the city was much larger and richer in remains than we thought,” Shahar added.
IAA director Eli Escusido called the find “thought-provoking,” saying it sheds light on Roman-era beliefs and daily life. “The sarcophagus is undergoing a meticulous conservation process, which upon completion will enable it to be presented to the general public as part of our commitment to making the country's past heritage accessible.”