Lost and Found: The Journey of a 2,000-Year-Old Roman Tombstone to a New Orleans Backyard

A 2,000-year-old Roman headstone that once belonged to a sailor in the praetorian fleet of ancient Rome has found an unexpected new home in a backyard in New Orleans. The incredible journey of this historical artifact is a tale that spans centuries and continents, shedding light on the complexities of archaeology and the enduring allure of ancient history.

The story begins in the bustling port city of Ostia, Italy, where the tombstone was originally erected to commemorate the life of a sailor named Gaius Laberius. As a member of the prestigious praetorian fleet, Laberius served the Roman Empire with honor and distinction, sailing the Mediterranean waters and defending the empire’s interests with valor.

Over the centuries, Ostia fell into decline, and the once-thriving city was gradually abandoned and forgotten. The tombstone of Gaius Laberius, like so many other relics of the past, was left to weather the ravages of time, its inscription fading and its significance fading into obscurity.

Fast forward to the present day, when a team of archaeologists excavating the ruins of Ostia made a remarkable discovery: the intact tombstone of Gaius Laberius, remarkably well-preserved despite its age. Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of the artifact, the archaeologists carefully removed the tombstone from its resting place and began the process of documenting and studying it.

However, fate had other plans for the ancient Roman tombstone. During its journey to a museum in Rome for further analysis, the artifact was intercepted by a group of art thieves who smuggled it out of the country and across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States.

Unbeknownst to the thieves, the tombstone was eventually purchased by a collector in New Orleans who, unaware of its provenance, displayed it in their backyard as a decorative piece. It wasn’t until years later, when a visiting archaeologist recognized the tombstone and alerted the authorities, that its true identity was revealed.

Now, after a lengthy legal battle and diplomatic negotiations between Italy and the United States, the tombstone of Gaius Laberius has been returned to its rightful place in the archaeological museum of Ostia, where it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire and the importance of preserving our shared cultural heritage.

The journey of the 2,000-year-old Roman tombstone from the shores of Ostia to a backyard in New Orleans is a testament to the power of history to transcend time and space. It serves as a cautionary tale about the illicit trade in antiquities and the need for greater awareness and appreciation of the value of our shared past.

As we marvel at the intricate carvings and weathered inscriptions on the tombstone of Gaius Laberius, we are reminded of the lives and stories that came before us, waiting to be discovered and preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

#RomanHistory, #Archaeology, #CulturalHeritage, #NewOrleans, #HistoricalArtifact