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Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have unearthed an exquisitely sculpted marble sarcophagus near Caesarea, Israel. This Roman-era sarcophagus features a rare depiction of a drinking contest between Dionysus, the god of wine, and Hercules, the mythological hero. While this motif was common in Roman mosaics, its appearance on a sarcophagus marks a first for the region. The discovery was made in the sand dunes outside Caesarea, suggesting that the city's extent during the Roman period was larger than previously thought. The sarcophagus has been sent for conservation, revealing an elaborate central scene of Dionysus surrounded by mythological figures, including satyrs, Hermes, Pan, lions, and tigers. Experts believe the imagery symbolizes liberation and the transition to the afterlife. Exquisite marble sarcophagus unearthed near Caesarea

According to the commentary of the HBO show Rome, Jonathan Stamp, the onsite historian said that it means “Mars! Up and at em!”. If you get a chance to buy the old Blu-ray’s or dvds, they have a feature that adds trivia and facts to the screen as you watch the show. The commentaries are very interesting as well.