The Roman imperial period sarcophagus from the village of Kahramanmaras–Elbistan–Alkayaoglu (Elbistan City Museum)

The subject of this study is a sarcophagus discovered during illegal excavations in the village of Alkayaoglu (Elbistan District) and subsequently transferred to the Elbistan City Museum following a report by the local gendarmerie. Carved from local limestone, the sarcophagus represents a hand-crafted provincial type reflecting regional features of funerary sculpture. In terms of morphology and ornamental design, it closely parallels sarcophagi from Olba in the region of Cilicia and is dated to the Roman Imperial period. Archaeological excavations are currently being conducted in Elbistan at the Kece Cave, Kayahoyuk, and Hamzatepe sites; however, no systematic research has yet been undertaken in Alkayaoglu village, where the sarcophagus was found. As in many areas of Kahramanmaraş Province, this territory possesses considerable potential for future archaeological investigation. Each new discovery contributes to expanding the source base and refining the historical and cultural profile of the region.