Archeologists have found an ancient sarcophagus that they believe commemorated Romulus, the fabled founder of Rome, describing it as “an exceptional discovery”.

Experts found the 2,600-year-old sarcophagus hidden in an underground chamber beneath the Roman Forum, once the bustling heart of the Roman Empire, full of temples and palaces.

They believe the stone sarcophagus, which is 1.4m long and dates from the 6th century BC, was dedicated to the cult of Romulus, who according to legend was the founder of the city.

The discovery is the culmination of a quest that began a year ago when archeologists first started excavating the area.

Next to the sarcophagus, they came across a circular stone structure which they believe was probably an altar.