Archaeology & History

Huge pot of gold found under Italian theater

By T.K. Randall
September 12, 2018

Image: AI-generated (Midjourney) The impressive haul was found during an excavation beneath the now-closed Cressoni Theater in Como - a city in the north of Italy.

The coins, which are today worth millions, are remarkably well preserved with their markings still clearly visible. A preliminary examination has revealed that they date back to the 5th century.

Due to the way the coins had been stored, coupled with the site's proximity to the city's forum where banks and merchants once did business, it is possible that the coins did not have a single, private owner but were instead a collective deposit that was gradually added to over time."We do not yet know in detail the historical and cultural significance of the find," said Alberto Bonisoli of Italy's Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.

"But that area is proving to be a real treasure for our archaeology. A discovery that fills me with pride."

Hundreds of gold coins from the 4th or 5th century were found last week in the basement of a former theater in northern Italy. https://t.co/0e6E9vFaRr

— NPR (@NPR) September 11, 2018

Source: Science Alert

Tags: Gold, Roman, Italy