In Tuscany, Italy, a spectacular find is now causing a stir: Protected by the mud and boiling hot thermal water, a votive collection of 24 well-preserved bronze statues was discovered during excavations at the small spa town of San Casciano dei Bagni, five of which are nearly a meter high. .
The statues, which are complete, date between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD, according to archaeologists. Thousands of coins and votive offerings have also been discovered in remains of sacred Etruscan and Roman baths over 2,300 years old.
The 24 statues were most likely made by local artisans. They were discovered in a sanctuary with bubbling pools, sloping terraces, fountains and altars dating to at least the third century BC and in use until the fifth century AD, University of Siena archaeologist Jacopo Tabolli explained to the Italian ANSA news agency.
“Discovery will rewrite history”
“This is a discovery that will rewrite history and is already being worked on by more than 60 experts from around the world,” said Tabolli, a lecturer at the University of Siena who has been leading the archaeological project since 2019. Also interesting is the large number of inscriptions in Etruscan and Latin. Massimo Osanna, director general of the Italian museums, spoke of the “most important discovery since the discovery of the Riace bronzes” in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Calabria in the 1970s.
Just a few days after taking office, the new Italian culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, visited the site. “This is an extraordinary find that once again confirms that Italy is a country of immense and unique treasures, because the stratification of the different civilizations is unique in Italian culture,” said the minister.
The remains of the Etruscan thermal baths were discovered in the municipality of San Casciano, with about 1600 inhabitants, which is still known today for its thermal baths. The municipality has restored the thermal baths that the Tuscan Medici ruling family frequented in the 16th century.
Bronze statues are now being restored
Excavation work has now come to a halt and will resume in the spring. The winter will serve to restore the bronze statues. “It will be teamwork, as it has always been,” Tabolli emphasized.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
