The sarcophagus was the second found within the last two months in the ancient city of Daraa, the news agency SANA reported, noting the discovery provides new information on carving techniques during that era.

The sarcophagus, which was found opened with the lid to one side, contained a deteriorated skeleton, said Kasem al-Mohammad, a director at the Daraa Archeology Department.

A gold ring found near the head apparently had once hung by a chain from the ear of the deceased, SANA reported.

The sides of the sarcophagus are covered in carved images of people, plants and animals, including women's faces, a lion, a bull and a flower with four petals.