ARCHAEOLOGISTS have uncovered a 2,000-year-old sarcophagus with perfectly-preserved ancient mummies inside.

The “unprecedented” discovery was made in the historic “tomb of Cerberus” in Naples, Italy.

The remains had been smothered in plant-based creams before they were locked in the chamber – which experts believe helped preserve the bodies.

The fascinating find supplied new and detailed evidence that reveals how Ancient Rome embalmed its own ᴅᴇᴀᴅ.

Upon unwrapping the shroud covering one of the bodies, the team discovered that the person was impeccably preserved.

Given the special attention paid to the deceased and the chronology of the grave goods found, it is suggested that he was the head of the family for whom the mausoleum was constructed.

The researchers are yet to reveal the images of the newly found mummies.

Archaeologists have previously discovered a huge number of burial sites in the same area, dating from the Roman Republic era to the Roman Imperial Age.

Excavations at the necropolis’ border last year led archaeologists to the unsealed tomb, which was dubbed “the tomb of Cerberus”.

Many frescoes across the untouched chamber’s ceilings and walls were found in pristine condition.

The entrance to the tomb was adorned with a magnificent mural of Cerberus, the three-headed dog from Greek mythology who is thought to be the underworld’s guardian.

The multi-headed beast is believed to prevent the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ from escaping the wrath of hell.