Discovery of 'burrito sarcophagus' mystifying - Mac prof seeks clues to why ancient Roman entombed in sheets of lead

A McMaster University archeologist is trying to figure out why an ancient Roman was entombed in a 360-kilogram lead sarcophagus that looks like a giant burrito.

The discovery of the 1,700-year-old body was made in the ancient city of Gabii, 20 kilometres from Rome, by a team of researchers including McMaster University visiting professor Jeffrey Becker.

The finding, dubbed the "burrito sarcophagus" in a recent National Geographic magazine article, is catching much attention in archeological circles.

It's not unusual for Romans to use lead in sarcophagus boxes. Becker says there are 300 to 500 known cases of that. The Romans loved the metal which was used extensively in pipes and in masonry work.