P.let’s imagine disbelief of those who have found such a marvel in front of their eyes. These days have emerged from some excavations in San Casciano dei Bagni, in Tuscany, 24 bronze statues (five of which almost a meter high). But also thousands of coins and ex voto. A truly sensational discovery which, according to the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, “confirms once more that Italy is a country made up of immense and unique treasures“.
The praying ephebe, on the occasion of the discovery of a votive deposit in the excavations of San Casciano dei Bagni, on 8 November 2022. Credit: ANSA / JACOPO TABOLLI
In San Casciano statues and coins
The project that led to this amazing find is active of 2019. Since that year, in fact, the archaeologist Jacopo Tabolliprofessor at the University of Siena, lead this adventure which, of course, has the concession of the Ministry of Culture and the economic support of the municipality.
Speaking to Ansa about this find, Tabolli himself stated: it is «aa discovery that will rewrite history and on which over 60 experts from all over the world are already working“.
They have been found 24 bronze statues of very refined workmanship, including an ephebe resting on the bottom of the large Roman basin, Hygieia, the goddess of health, a snake coiled on her arm. Then Apollo and other emperors, gods and matrons. In addition to these statues – five of which almost a meter high and in perfect condition – were also found coins and ex voto. In addition, they are to be emphasized all the inscriptions found, in Etruscan and Latin. An exceptional heritage that has already attracted the attention of many around the world.
The general director of Italian museums: “Most important discovery from the Riace bronzes”
The Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, reached the restoration laboratory that welcomed the statues. And she affirmed. «An exceptional find that confirms once more that Italy is a country made up of immense and unique treasures. The stratification of different civilizations is a unicum of Italian culture“.
The general director of Italian museums, Massimo Osanna, anticipated. “Some pious souls in the 5th century AD took steps to protect this treasure. We will exhibit it in an archaeological park that will be born right here ». And he defined this find “the most important from the Riace bronzes, because here an entire context emerges intact“.
But what is the reason for the perfect state of conservation of the finds? Both the statues and the coins were protected for about 2300 years from the mud and boiling water of the sacred tanks. This has allowed them to remain intact over time. What was found in San Casciano dei Bagni, therefore, is a never seen votive deposit. A place that includes an incredible history to be rediscovered.
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