Face of Roman child from 1,800 years ago
In 1878, during archaeological work in Paris, a Roman sarcophagus containing the burial of a small child was discovered. The find comes from the area of ancient Lutetia, a Roman city that developed on the site of present-day Paris. Preserved within the grave was a remarkable imprint of the face of the child, who was between six and twelve months old at the time of death.
The impression was formed during the sealing of the sarcophagus. One interpretation suggests that the mortar used to seal the stone coffin seeped inside and came into contact with the deceased’s face; once hardened, the material retained the child’s features. However, there is no absolute certainty regarding the origin of the impression. The Musée Carnavalet also suggests the possibility that the child’s face was intentionally cast after death.
A small glass bottle was preserved alongside the burial. Such objects can provide insights into lifestyles and childcare in Roman society, although the vessel’s exact purpose cannot be determined from the find alone.
The plaster cast of the child’s face is currently held in the collections of the Science Museum in London.
