Current:Home > News3,000 ancient coins and gems unearthed at Italy's "Pompeii of the north" — with only 10% of the site searched so far -GrowthInsight
3,000 ancient coins and gems unearthed at Italy's "Pompeii of the north" — with only 10% of the site searched so far
View
Date:2025-04-17 14:27:42
A trove of ancient coins and gems has been unearthed in northern Italy, marking the latest treasure discovery in an ongoing archaeological effort to explore Claterna, a bygone city described by officials as a "magical place" holding relics dating back 2,000 years.
Situated in an area which is now Bologna, Claterna was once a bustling hub for both culture and commerce, and had direct ties to Rome. The ancient city existed from the second century B.C. through the sixth century, according to the Museum of Claterna, which notes that the vibrant city once had multiple communal areas, including a market, a basilica and a theater, as well as a suburban area outside of the city center.
The archaeological site now being probed at Claterna covers about about 44 acres — and the relics unearthed so far have come from just 10% of the area, officials say. Outside of that relatively small section, the rest of the has not yet been thoroughly studied.
Previous excavation projects at site of the ancient city have uncovered the remains of what may have been an early metropolitan center, with archeologists discovering roads and colorful mosaics along with a spa facility and an enormous theater among the ruins, the Italian Ministry of Culture said in a news release issued Nov. 10. The release detailed some of the most recent findings, which included 3,000 silver and gold coins and 50 colored gems, engraved with markings meant to honor various deities.
One silver coin, a standard currency in the ancient Roman Empire called a Quinario, was discovered inside a corridor in the auditorium of the theater at Claterna and dated 97 BC. The "rare find" reinforces estimates about when the theater itself was constructed, around the first century BC, the culture ministry said.
Those discoveries could be evidence of Claterna's important past as well as its relationship with Rome, which may have also been significant, the culture ministry said. Lucia Borgonzoni, the Undersecretary of State for the ministry, likened the newest findings at Claterna to a "Pompeii of the North," citing the expansive area studied, the quality of the findings uncovered to date as well as their potential significance to history.
In addition to continuing with further excavations, Borgonzoni said the culture ministry and the superintendency of Bologna will coordinate with local institutions in the area around the archaeological site to educate the public about Claterna.
"We intend to implement a series of activities that will involve local entities and institutions, designed to bring knowledge of this magical place rich in history to young people first and foremost and to attract as many visitors arriving from all over the world," Borgonzoni said in the statement.
Officials are also discussing possible plans to restore Claterna's ancient theater "to its original function as a place of entertainment," she said.
- In:
- Italy
- Archaeologist
Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.
Twitter InstagramveryGood! (49)
Related
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Argentina’s third-place presidential candidate Bullrich endorses right-wing populist Milei in runoff
- Alaska Airlines off-duty pilot Joseph Emerson said he took magic mushrooms 48 hours before trying to shut off engines, prosecutors say
- California Gov. Newsom has rare friendly exchange with China’s senior diplomat Wang Yi
- NCAA hands former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh a 4-year show cause order for recruiting violations
- Lawsuit accuses city of Minneapolis of inequitable housing code enforcement practices
- Martha Stewart says she still dresses like a teenager: Why it matters
- Georgia agency gets 177,000 applications for housing aid, but only has 13,000 spots on waiting list
- Mega Millions winning numbers for August 6 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $398 million
- Florida man charged after demanding 'all bottles' of Viagra, Adderall in threat to CVS store
Ranking
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Texas sues Biden administration seeking to stop federal agents from cutting razor wire on border
- Mother leaves her 2 babies inside idling unlocked car while she goes to a bar
- Mother of Muslim boy stabbed to death in alleged hate crime issues 1st remarks
- Family of explorer who died in the Titan sub implosion seeks $50M-plus in wrongful death lawsuit
- Week 8 fantasy football rankings: Lamar Jackson leads Ravens' resurgence
- Born after Superstorm Sandy’s destruction, 2 big flood control projects get underway in New Jersey
- Honolulu tells story of healers with dual male and female spirit through new plaque in Waikiki
Recommendation
Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
Venezuelan government escalates attacks on opposition’s primary election as turnout tops forecast
Robinson Cano, Pablo Sandoval, and more former MLB stars join budding new baseball league
Carnival ruled negligent over cruise where 662 passengers got COVID-19 early in pandemic
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
Man freed after being trapped in New York City jewelry store vault overnight for 10 hours
Werner Herzog says it's not good to circle 'your own navel' but writes a memoir anyway
Teen Mom's Jenelle Evans Responds After Husband David Eason Reportedly Charged With Child Abuse