Etruscan Bronze Hoard Unearthed at San Casciano dei Bagni

A major archaeological discovery at the sanctuary of San Casciano dei Bagni in Siena, Italy, has yielded over 20 perfectly preserved bronze statues, 5,000 gold, silver, and bronze coins, and numerous votive offerings from the Etruscan-Roman civilization. The find, described as the most significant since the Riace Bronzes, includes statues of deities and inscriptions in Etruscan and Latin, naming powerful Etruscan families such as the Velimna of Perugia and the Marcni of the Siena area. The artifacts date mainly from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE, a period of conflict between Rome and Etruscan cities. The excavation, led by professor Jacopo Tabolli of the University for Foreigners of Siena and field director Emanuele Mariotti, began in 2019 at the ancient thermal spring pool. The exceptional preservation is due to the warm water. A new museum will be established in a 16th-century palace in San Casciano, with a future archaeological park planned. Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano praised the discovery as a testament to Italy's unique cultural stratification.