An Australian excavation team has discovered five sarcophagi in two locations in the ancient city of Ephesus, situated in the Selçuk district of İzmir, reported the Anatolia news agency.

Selçuk District Governor Hayri Sandıkçı said the excavation team found the sarcophagi in the areas of the Arcadian Way and the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers. One of the sarcophagi was unearthed and taken to the Selçuk Ephesus Archaeology Museum. This particular sarcophagus was discovered near the Selçuk Ephesus Airport on the Arcadian Way, located between the ancient theater and the old port. After close examination it was determined that it belonged to the third century. Sandıkçı said the removed sarcophagus was in good condition and not damaged.

The sarcophagus had statuettes of Nike, the goddess of victory, on its sides and two statuettes of Eros, the god of love, in the center. Excavations to bring up four sarcophagi found in the Seven Sleepers area are under way.