Massive Roman Burial Site With 3,000 Tombs Found Beneath City Streets

A massive Roman burial site containing more than 3,000 ancient graves has been uncovered beneath a modern city. Archaeologists say that the site was used for more than 500 years, and it reveals new clues to centuries of history. They have also discovered that it contains treasure like jewels, coins, and other artifacts.

Where the Ancient Roman Burial Site Was Found

In March 2026, it was reported that a vast Roman necropolis featuring more than 3,000 tombs had been uncovered by archaeologists. Literally translated to "city of the dead," a necropolis is what the Romans called a large cemetery or burial ground that featured elaborate tombs and monuments.

The massive discovery was unearthed beneath Zadar, Croatia's Relja district, under the former site of the Croatian Automobile Club. Reports say that the burial ground is linked to the ancient Roman city of Iader. The fact that such a huge subterranean network of tombs has been found beneath a modern city is every bit as interesting as what researchers have discovered within it.

Why the Site Is So Significant

The excavation, which is being carried out by the University of Zadar, has resulted in experts reaching some fascinating conclusions about the burial site. Archaeologists believe it was used for roughly 500 years, from the 1st century BCE to the 5th century CE.

The expansive timeframe the burial site was used does a lot more than simply add to the intrigue of the discovery. Instead, it is revelatory by itself. The fact that archaeologists have concluded that it was used for hundreds of years like that reveals a continuity of how funerals were practiced in a major Roman city.

In addition to the discovery of the necropolis itself, the excavation has resulted in the unearthing of an array of treasures that were left in the tombs. Some of the items left beside the dead in the tombs include ceramic and glass vessels, jewels, coins, and oil lamps.

Items would sometimes be left in Roman tombs to help the dead. According to the Milwaukee Public Museum, the oil lamps found in the necropolis are a good example of that. Seen in other Roman burial sites, they were often meant to provide light for the deceased in the afterlife. "Lamps were often buried with the dead in order to light the way into the afterlife and beyond."

The material found within the burial site has provided researchers with some answers. Some of the artifacts originate from different parts of the Mediterranean, which reveals details about the ancient city of Iader's trade networks. However, the most interesting part of the discovery may be the questions it has left open. Perhaps the best example of that is that archaeologists are still questioning how big the necropolis actually is. Even as excavation continues, it is being emphasized that more parts of the burial site are still likely to be dug up.