In the picturesque Tuscan Hills outside Siena, a team of archaeologists has recently unearthed a treasure trove that stands as one of Italy’s most remarkable discoveries.
The excavation, centered around Roman-era baths, revealed 24 bronze statues in impeccable condition, along with a hoard of over 5,000 Roman coins crafted from bronze, silver, and even gold.
The statues, found in the mud surrounding an area renowned for its thermal hot springs, are a testament to the historical richness of the region.
Remarkably well-preserved, these bronze figures showcase intricate details, emerging from the mud sometimes with a hand or a head. Dating back to the Republican period of the 200s BCE, they provide a glimpse into the tumultuous era when Rome was absorbing the Etruscan civilization that one thrived on the Italian Peninsula.
The discovery site, located in the modern town of San Casiano dei Bagni, was originally an Etruscan settlement. Over time, it transformed into a Roman bath complex, serving both civilizations until its eventual collapse six centuries later. This overlap of cultures is reflected in the artifacts found, offering a unique historical narrative.
Lead excavator Jacopo Taboli, a historian from the University for Foreigners in Siena, aptly described the findas one that could “rewrite history” for the Italian Peninsula. The statues, depicting deities such as Apollo and Hygieia, a Greek goddess of health, provide a tangible link to the religious practices and artistic traditions of the time.
Taboli described it as “without equal… the largest deposit of bronze statues of the Etruscan and Roman age ever discovered in Italy and one of the most significant in the whole Mediterranean.” He also explained that nearly all statuary art from this period is in terracotta.
The sculptures portray divine figures such as Apollo and Hygieia, an ancient Greek goddess of health initially venerated in Corinth.
What sets these statues apart is their extraordinary state of preservation, which extends to the inscriptions in both Etruscan and Latin languages. Among these inscriptions are dedications to gods, as well as the names of influential Etruscan families like the Velimna of Perugia and the Marcni. This wealth of information adds layers to our understanding of the societal dynamics and religious beliefs of ancient Tuscany.
Before the statues find their way to a museum, they have been carefully transported to a preservation center in Grosseto. This meticulous approach ensures that these individual artifacts will endure for future generations to study and appreciate. The significance of the discovery goes beyond its immediate visual appeal; it opens a door to a bygone era, shedding light on the cultural exchanges and transitions that shaped the region.
While the archaeologists involved in the excavation emphasize the historical importance of the find, the mayor of San Casiano dei Bagni sees an added layer of significance. For him, the bronzes represent not only a glimpse into the past but also an opportunity to cultivate local pride and foster a deeper connection with the town’s rich heritage.
The Sindaco, also known as the mayor of San Casiano dei Bagni, perceives a subtle tinge of green in the bronzes that may elude the archaeologists.
He said, “This discovery offers San Casciano not only a cultural and touristic opportunity, but a true occasion for rebirth.”
“There will be born a new museum, that will host the exceptional statues and an archeo-park; two new places that will, for the town, be a real motor of development and add an enthusiasm to young archaeologists around the world who will come to see and work here,” he added.
The statues will be taken to a preservation center in Grosseto before they can return to the museum.
What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!
True Activist / Report a typo
