A couple in New Orleans discovered a seemingly ordinary stone in their backyard that turned out to be a significant archaeological treasure from nearly 2000 years ago. The marble slab, found in the historic Carrollton neighborhood, bore an inscription in Latin, saying "spirit of the dead," leading them to initially believe it might be an old tomb stone. The anthropologist Daniella Santoro, who was among the first to examine the stone, remarked on the unusual nature of their find.

The inscription begins with "Dis Manibus," which translates to "to the spirits of the dead," a phrase commonly seen on Roman funerary tablets. This discovery not only highlights the couple's unexpected luck but also underscores the historical importance of the site they occupy. As this area of New Orleans has a rich history, the find draws attention to the potential for more archaeological discoveries in urban environments where modern developments often overlook the past.

The implications of this discovery are profound, as it could add to the understanding of Roman influence on early American history and immigrant communities in the United States. It opens the door for further research into how artifacts from different historical contexts arrive in contemporary settings, and it illustrates the importance of preserving such finds for educational and heritage purposes.