Adventure Travel

Ancient Roman Tombstone Discovered in New Orleans Garden

2025-10-10

A remarkable discovery recently unfolded in an unsuspecting New Orleans backyard, where an ancient Roman tombstone, crafted in the 2nd century, was unearthed. This artifact, initially mistaken for a local burial marker, was definitively identified as the headstone of Sextus Congenius Verus, a soldier of the praetorian fleet. This incredible find has initiated a process for its return to its original home in Civitavecchia, Italy, with the assistance of the FBI's Art Crime team.

Extraordinary Ancient Roman Tombstone Emerges in New Orleans, Set for Repatriation to Italy

In a fascinating turn of events, a 2nd-century Roman tombstone, bearing a Latin inscription, was unexpectedly brought to light in a residential garden in Carrollton, New Orleans. The discovery was made by Daniella Santoro, an anthropologist from Tulane University, and her husband, Aaron Lorenz, in the spring of 2025. Initially, their primary concern revolved around the possibility that their residence might be situated atop a historic burial ground. However, D. Ryan Gray from the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans, an expert in mapping the city's hidden cemeteries, confirmed that their property was not on any known burial site.

The focus then shifted to the enigmatic Latin inscription on the stone. Gray, along with Dr. Susann Lusnia, a classics colleague of Santoro's at Tulane, consulted experts. Both independently concluded that the artifact was unequivocally genuine, debunking any notions of it being a modern forgery. The inscription vividly details the life of Sextus Congenius Verus, a soldier of the Misenensis praetorian fleet, who lived for 42 years and served 22 years in the military aboard the trireme Asclepius. It also mentions Atilius Carus and Vettius Longinus as his heirs, who erected the stone in his honor.

The critical question of how a Roman tombstone from the 2nd century made its way to Louisiana was subsequently addressed. It was revealed that an identical tombstone had been recorded in Italy, near an ancient Roman port, but had been missing from the local museum for decades. This disappearance was attributed to the intense Allied bombing of Civitavecchia (known as Centumcellae in Roman times) during the Second World War, which led to the loss or destruction of many artifacts. The news of the New Orleans discovery reached Erin Scott O’Brien, who recognized the stone as a decorative garden piece from her former home. She had inherited it from her maternal grandparents, Charles Paddock Jr., a WWII veteran who served in Italy and brought the stone back with him. The tombstone had been displayed in their home before eventually passing to O'Brien, who placed it in her garden in the early 2000s.

Currently, the invaluable artifact is under the custody of the FBI's Art Crime team, who are meticulously working towards its repatriation to the National Archaeological Museum of Civitavecchia, Italy, ensuring its return to its rightful historical context.

This incredible find serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations and the unexpected ways in which history can resurface across continents. It underscores the importance of diligent archaeological investigation and the collaborative efforts required to preserve and protect cultural heritage. Moreover, it highlights the personal narratives embedded within historical objects, as a soldier's memorial traversed oceans and generations before its true identity and significance were finally recognized. This event prompts us to reflect on the hidden stories that may lie beneath our feet, waiting to be uncovered and reconnected with their past.

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