Thursday, April 15, 1999 Published at 13:23 GMT 14:23 UK
Coffin reveals secrets of a Roman lady
Members of the public can view the coffin until 24 April
The opening of the most lavish Roman coffin found in the UK this century has revealed the skeleton of a young woman.
The elaborate nature of the coffin and items left in the grave have led archaeologists to believe the skeleton could be that of the most important Roman person ever found in Britain.
The museum's director, Dr Simon Thurley, said leaves dating back to Roman London were found at the bottom of the coffin - a find he described as "totally astonishing".
"People last night were saying they could be olive leaves which would be rather extraordinary if that were the case," Dr Thurley told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
"Or perhaps it was some wonderful romantic moment when a gust of wind one autumn blew the the leaves across and they tumbled into the coffin. We just don't know yet."
This layer could preserve organic matter and jewellery.
Unearthed in the heart of London
The stone sarcophagus, with a sealed lead coffin inside, was buried in the early fourth century. It was uncovered a few weeks ago in a Roman cemetery at Spitalfields Market near the City of London.
The London Museum's archaeological team wore protective suits and masks to open the coffin, in case any bacteria or toxic vapours were released.
It is hoped that DNA tests will establish exactly where the woman - thought to be in her early 20s - came from.
There were no immediate clues to her identity, but archaeologists said further investigation into the coffin's interior might reveal more.
Insight into VIP Romans
Burying such a heavy object around the start of the fourth century AD would have been a rare and expensive event. And the coffin itself is expected to give new insight into the ruling class of Roman London.
"This coffin without doubt belongs to someone very important," says Dr Thurley. "We know a huge amount about Roman London, but very little about the very, very important people who governed it."
What we found is very interesting and is unique to this country," Jenny Hall, the museum's Roman Curator told BBC News Online. "Amongst other things, we found a little jet box and a long glass flask which probably would have held perfumed ointments."
The bones themselves will, after analysis, reveal the diet and health of rich Roman Londoners.
Members of the public can view the continuing work on the coffin and the skeleton at the Museum of London until 24 April.
Images courtesy of the Museum of London Archaeology Service