Why this archaeologist discovery in San Casciano dei Bagni is so remarkable? The fact, that they were hidden by mud and hot water for nearly two thousand years is remarkable, as is the excellent condition they are in. All in all the archaeologists have discovered 24 bronze statues and thousands of precious metal coins in the Italian spa town of San Casciano dei Bagni. According to the experts, this is a sensation: "The discovery will make history," said the archaeologist responsible for the excavations, Jacopo Tabolli. Italy's Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano spoke of a "treasure". Among the statues, the Greek goddess of health Hygieia with a snake around her arm, next to him Apollon, but also generals and even children: the statues and especially their condition inspire the experts. Some of the statues are almost a meter high."
The pieces are said to date from the period between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD, which was characterized by Etruscan and Roman influences. In addition to the statues, around 5000 coins in gold, silver and bronze were found. Hardly any bronze sculptures have survived from antiquity; over the course of the centuries, the metals were mostly melted down and reused. This is one of the reasons why this find is so extraordinary. Experts make comparisons with the famous Riace bronzes, one of archeology's most important discoveries. The two statues from the 5th century BC were discovered in 1972 in the sea off the coast of Calabria. They are among the few surviving life-size bronze statues from ancient Greece. Following this extraordinary find, the town will build a museum to house and display these treasures.
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