San Casciano dei Bagni: New archaeological discoveries at San Casciano dei Bagni have unveiled a trove of ancient treasures, including two glittering crowns, various jewels, and cases filled with shiny coins. This latest excavation has also brought to light extraordinary bronze statues and a significant amount of gold. These findings continue to enrich the historical narrative of the Tuscan site, which was once an Etruscan and later Roman pool known as Bagno Grande.
According to Ansa News Agency, archaeologists, alongside the Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli and the head of the archaeology department Luigi La Rocca, have presented these findings to the press. Among the discoveries is a fascinating array of bronze snakes, one nearly a meter long, adding to the site’s global renown. Professor Jacopo Tabolli from the University for Foreigners of Siena, who has been leading the excavation since 2019, described the serpent as an agatodaemon, a good demon in Roman culture, symbolizing the sacredness of the wat
er source.
The site has revealed that people historically visited the springs not only for health benefits but also for divination purposes. Archaeologists Emanuele Mariotti and Ada Salvi explain that the water, along with the bronze serpents, served as a medium for communicating with the divine, seeking answers about the future. The discoveries include a bronze nymph, inscriptions, intact chicken eggs, and over 10,000 coins, all suggesting a rich history of offerings and rituals.
Among the treasures, a gold crown in the shape of a tapeworm, a ring with amber, and other jewels were found. The statues, particularly striking for their craftsmanship, include a trunk of a male body from the 1st century BC, offered by Gaius Roscius. This artifact, inspired by Alexander the Great, highlights the tradition of offering healed body parts to the springs.
Another notable find is a child’s statue from the 2nd century BC, holding a ball with intricate bronze stitching. The statue, believed to have been an augur, featur
es a snake-shaped bracelet and an inscription referencing the Etruscan city-state of Cleusi. This discovery suggests the statue’s significant role in ancient rituals.
The site’s excavations will continue into the summer, with plans for a Thermal Archaeological Park, Museum, and International Research Hub set to open by 2026. These developments aim to share the wonders of San Casciano with the world, allowing people to connect with the stories and lives of those who once inhabited this special place.
