cinerary container

A significant discovery was made in the spring of 1912 when, during excavation work on the property at Brandenburg 24, a large semi-cylindrical ash chest made of gray sandstone was uncovered. Inside it contained three clay vessels used as urns, two of which were covered with a plate. In two of the vessels, small balsamaries made of greenish glass were found among the cremated remains. The ceramic and glass finds date the grave to the mid or second half of the 3rd century. Notably, the ash chest appears to have been reused, as the front side of the semi-cylindrical lid shows remnants of a decorative frame as well as the letters typical for the introductory formula of a Roman gravestone inscription, "D(is) M(anibus)" (= Dedicated to the gods of the dead).