In a truly unique archaeological find, a Roman-era marble sarcophagus was recently uncovered in the ancient port city of Caesarea, Israel. What sets this discovery apart is an exceptionally rare carved scene—depicting the mythological wine-drinking contest between Dionysus (Bacchus), the god of wine, and the legendary hero Heracles (Hercules). According to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), this is the first time such a depiction has ever been found on a burial coffin in the region.
“It Felt Like a Scene from a Movie”
Nohar Shahar and Shani Amit, archaeologists with the IAA, described the moment of discovery with awe:
“As we gently brushed away the soft dune sand, the tip of a marble object emerged. The entire excavation team gathered around, and with each passing minute, more of the sarcophagus revealed itself—decorated with gods, animals, and trees. In the final hour of the excavation, we uncovered an entire, intact side showing Heracles reclining on a lion skin, holding a drinking cup.”
The sarcophagus fragments were transported to IAA’s conservation laboratories, where conservators Solomon Gavriel, Ilya Armanovsky, and Gadmo Vajpo, alongside architect Ido Rosental, undertook the meticulous restoration. Their work revealed an extraordinary composition: in the center, Dionysus is surrounded by a lively procession of Maenads, satyrs, Hermes, Pan, lions, and tigers.
A Scene of Death or a Celebration of the Afterlife?
“This is the first time we have found the Dionysus-Heracles wine contest scene on a coffin in our area,” explains Nohar Shahar.
“While Dionysian processions are a known motif in Roman sarcophagi from the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, this specific drinking contest—though familiar from mosaics in Zippori and Antioch—has never been found carved into a burial structure here.”
The symbolic meaning of this mythological contest may suggest more than just revelry. According to Shahar,
“It reflects a Roman perspective of death not as an end, but as a passage—where drinking and dancing accompany the deceased to the next world, symbolizing liberation and renewal.”
As for the winner of the mythological contest? The depiction leaves little doubt:
“Heracles is shown in a state where he can barely remain upright—Dionysus is clearly the victor,” Shahar concludes with a smile.
Expanding Caesarea’s Ancient Boundaries
Interestingly, the sarcophagus was found outside the previously known city walls of Caesarea, suggesting the city’s actual boundaries may have been far more expansive—and archaeologically rich—than once believed.
Public Reveal on June 12 at ‘The Feast’ Conference
The fully restored sarcophagus will be presented to the public for the first time at the annual Central Region Conference, themed “The Feast,” on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Eretz Israel Museum in Tel Aviv. The event is held in collaboration with the IAA, Tel Aviv University, and Bar-Ilan University. The public is invited to attend.
IAA Director Eli Escusido emphasized the cultural significance of the find:
“This thought-provoking discovery offers a glimpse into Roman attitudes toward life, death, and the afterlife. Once conservation is complete, we look forward to presenting the sarcophagus to the wider public as part of our mission to make Israel’s heritage accessible.”
Cover Image Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority
