A New Orleans couple stumbled upon a 1,900 year old Roman gravestone while clearing brush in their backyard this spring. The marble slab honors Sextus Congenius Verus, a sailor and soldier who served in the Roman Imperial Navy, and it has sparked an international effort to return the artifact to Italy.

The Surprising Backyard Find

Daniella Santoro, an anthropologist at Tulane University, and her husband Aaron Lorenz noticed the flat marble stone covered in vines during routine yard work in the Carrollton neighborhood. They first worried it might mark an old local cemetery from the 1800s, common in the citys history of forgotten burial sites built over by homes.

Santoro reached out to experts right away to check the stones origins. University of New Orleans archaeologist D Ryan Gray arrived to examine it and saw the Latin inscriptions immediately stood out as unusual for any American context.

Gray shared photos with colleagues across the globe, including Latin specialists who quickly pieced together the full story. The couples simple cleanup task turned into a major archaeological puzzle overnight.

Decoding the Ancient Inscription

The gravestone carries a clear dedication in Latin to Sextus Congenius Verus, a member of the elite praetorian fleet based in Misenum near Naples. He lived 42 years and served 22 in the military aboard the trireme Asclepius, a warship used by the Romans.

Experts translated the text as a tribute from his heirs, Atilius Carus and Vettius Longinus, calling him well deserving. Verus hailed from the Bessi tribe, a group from Thrace in modern day Bulgaria, which adds layers to his backstory as a far traveling soldier sailor.

This type of funerary marker was common in the Roman Empire during the second century, often placed near ports or military bases. The stones style and lettering match artifacts from that era, confirming its authenticity through careful analysis.

• Key details from the inscription:
  • Name: Sextus Congenius Verus
  • Age at death: 42 years
  • Military service: 22 years
  • Fleet: Praetorian Misenensis
  • Ship: Trireme Asclepius
  • Origin: Bessi tribe (Thracian)

Such inscriptions provide rare glimpses into the lives of ordinary Roman service members, beyond the empires famous emperors and generals.

Tracing the Stones Journey to America

Researchers soon linked the gravestone to a piece reported missing from the National Archaeological Museum in Civitavecchia, Italy, about 40 miles northwest of Rome. The museum lost it during World War II bombings in 1944, when Allied forces targeted the area after liberating Rome.

How did it end up in a New Orleans backyard? Clues point to the postwar years, when American soldiers stationed in Italy often brought home souvenirs amid the chaos. One theory connects it to a Loyola University voice coach who collected antiques, possibly acquiring it through a dealer with few export rules back then.

The FBI stepped in to handle the repatriation process, ensuring legal transfer under international cultural heritage laws. Museum staff in Civitavecchia expressed excitement about its return, planning a special display to honor the artifacts homecoming.

This table outlines the stones path from ancient Rome to modern discovery, highlighting the twists of history.

Broader Implications for Archaeology and Repatriation

Finding Roman artifacts in the US is extremely rare, as the empires reach never extended to the Americas. This case underscores how global conflicts like World War II scattered cultural treasures worldwide, often unintentionally.

It also highlights the importance of public reporting of finds. Santoros quick action with professionals prevented potential damage and aided ethical return. Similar stories, like looted art from other wars, show ongoing challenges in reclaiming heritage items.

The discovery ties into recent trends in archaeology, where backyard digs and citizen science uncover hidden histories. For instance, similar WWII era repatriations have returned Greek vases and Egyptian relics to their origins in the past few years, building trust between nations.

Experts praise this as a positive example of cooperation. It reminds us that history hides in plain sight, waiting for curious eyes to reveal it.

What This Means for Roman History Enthusiasts

Sextus Congenius Verus represents the unsung heroes of the Roman Navy, which controlled vital sea routes across the Mediterranean. His service on the Asclepius, named after the god of healing, suggests a vessel used for both combat and transport.

Thracian recruits like Verus were valued for their skills, bringing diverse backgrounds to the fleet. This find adds to our understanding of Roman military life, including daily routines and cultural mixes in the ranks.

For those interested in ancient sailors, it connects to broader narratives of exploration and empire building. Modern parallels, like naval service today, make his story relatable and inspiring.

Share your thoughts on this amazing discovery in the comments below. What other hidden treasures might be lurking in everyday places?