Roman-Era Tomb Used Magical "Dead Nails" To Ward Off "Restless Souls''

Archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old tomb that was sealed to protect the living from the dead.

The tomb excavated at the famous archeological site of Sagalassos in the southwest of the country, dating back to 100-150 AD, contains evidence that people at the time were afraid of the dead coming back to life in order to haunt the living.

Such was this fear that dozens of bent and twisted nails (called "dead nails") were apparently scattered around the pyre of the tomb before it was sealed with bricks and plaster.

"The burial was concluded not in one, not in two, but in three different ways, which can be understood as an attempt to protect the living from the dead - or vice versa," says the archaeologist and first author of the study Johan Claeys.

Several burial objects have also been discovered at the site, including woven baskets, coins, pottery, glassware and food remains.

"It seems likely that at the time it was an appropriate way to part with a loved one."