Roman inscription and Christian cross. The riddle of the Westminster sarcophagus solved

A limestone sarcophagus discovered in 1869 near Westminster Abbey was initially thought to belong to a wealthy Roman. Recent analyses revealed it contains the remains of a medieval abbot, likely Ælfwig or Wulfnoth, both significant figures in Westminster's Benedictine monastery. The burial method and radiocarbon dating indicate the remains date from 987 to 1052 AD, confirming the sarcophagus was reused centuries later. Originally belonging to Valerius Amandinus, a wealthy Roman from the 4th century, the sarcophagus was likely moved to the abbey during the medieval period. It remained undisturbed until its accidental discovery in 1820, with the site now a lawn.