Five Major Archaeological Discoveries in Italy in November 2022
In November 2022, Italy witnessed remarkable archaeological discoveries, including more than twenty Etruscan bronze statues unearthed at San Casciano dei Bagni in Siena, along with coins and ex-votos, which date from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. The excavation, spearheaded by Jacopo Tabolli and supported by the Ministry of Culture, yielded significant findings. Bavarian historian Klaus Stefan Freyberger proposed that the construction of the Colosseum occurred a century earlier than previously believed, a claim met with skepticism by Parco Archeologico del Colosseo director Alfonsina Russo. Additionally, excavations in the Colosseum's southern sewer uncovered food remnants and artifacts. In Perugia, a Roman villa from the 1st century AD was discovered, while new sectors featuring mosaics and marble columns were revealed at Aquileia's Grandi Terme Romane, dating back to the 4th century AD.
Key facts
- Over 20 Etruscan bronze statues found at San Casciano dei Bagni on November 8, 2022.
- Excavation led by Jacopo Tabolli (University for Foreigners of Siena) and Emanuele Mariotti.
- Statues date from 2nd century BC to 1st century AD.
- Klaus Stefan Freyberger claims Colosseum built 100 years earlier than Flavian dynasty.
- Alfonsina Russo disputes Freyberger's theory, citing ancient sources and recent restorations.
- Colosseum sewer excavation revealed food remains, animal bones, coins, and personal items.
- Roman villa with geometric mosaic discovered near Perugia, dating to 1st century AD.
- Two new sectors of Aquileia's Grandi Terme Romane uncovered, including a calidarium.
- Aquileia excavation led by Matteo Cadario and Marina Rubinich of University of Udine.
- Aquileia baths date to first half of 4th century AD.
Entities
Artists
- Jacopo Tabolli
- Emanuele Mariotti
- Klaus Stefan Freyberger
- Alfonsina Russo
- Martina Almonte
- Federica Rinaldi
- Barbara Nazzaro
- Giorgio Postrioti
- Matteo Cadario
- Marina Rubinich
- Cristiano Tiussi
- Simonetta Bonomi
- Tacitus
- Suetonius
- Nero
- Vespasian
- Titus
- Domitian
- Macrinus
- Marcus Aurelius
- Statilius Taurus
Institutions
- University for Foreigners of Siena
- Ministry of Culture (Italy)
- Parco Archeologico del Colosseo
- Römische Historische Mitteilungen
- Austrian Institute of Rome
- Soprintendenza di Perugia
- University of Udine
- Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio del Friuli Venezia-Giulia
- Fondazione Aquileia
- Artribune
Locations
- San Casciano dei Bagni
- Siena
- Italy
- Tuscany
- Rome
- Colosseum
- Perugia
- Sant'Egidio
- Collestrada
- Aquileia
- Friuli Venezia Giulia
- Campo Marzio