A few days ago in November 2022, a remarkable discovery was made during excavations in the Tuscan town of San Casciano dei Bagni, located in the province of Siena. This excavation has uncovered the largest collection of bronze statues from the Etruscan and Roman periods ever found in Italy, making it one of the most significant discoveries in the entire Mediterranean region. At least 24 bronze statues, each approximately 1 meter tall and in remarkable condition, have been dated to the second century BC. Many of these statues feature both Etruscan and Latin inscriptions, indicating that they were placed there over an extended period.
Bronze statue of an archer found at San Casciano dei Bagni
Some archaeologists believe this find is as significant as the Greek bronzes discovered in the sea off Riace in Calabria fifty years ago. While we await the cleaning of the San Casciano dei Bagni statues to assess their artistic quality against the Riace warriors, one statue of Hygieia, the goddess of health, with a snake coiled around her arm, already shows great promise!
Bronze statue excavated at San Casciano dei Bagni
The statues were found buried in mud at a site associated with thermal pools, where they were likely offered as votive gifts. The thermal baths, where these statues were discovered, operated from the third century BC until the fifth century AD, when public bathing was banned during the Christian era. The sacred basin was intentionally concealed by large tiles, and columns of the sacred portico were placed above it, sealing this ancient site of pagan worship.
Bronze head from San Casciano dei Bagni
In addition to the statues, more than 6,000 Etruscan and Roman coins were also recovered along with numerous inscriptions in both Etruscan and Latin, which were offerings made until the sanctuary was closed in the 5th century.
The excavation site at San Casciano dei Bagni
Learn more about San Casciano dei Bagni.
Discover more about the Etruscans.
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Author: Anna Maria Baldini
