In the picturesque municipality of San Casciano dei Bagni, located in the Italian province of Siena, archaeological discoveries continue to shed light on the rich history of the Etruscan-Roman sanctuary of Bagno Grande. In 2002, this site revealed the largest collection of bronze statues from the Etruscan and Roman periods (article on our Spanish edition) ever discovered in Italy. In 2023, a bilingual inscription in Etruscan and Latin was found, along with a statue of Apollo.
From June to October of this year, archaeologists have significantly expanded the areas under investigation, uncovering the temenos, a wall that demarcated the sacred space. Within this boundary stood a central temple built around a large thermal water basin.
Records indicate that as early as the 3rd century BCE, the site was revered by the Etruscans, who constructed travertine structures to enclose the sacred spring.
Later, during the reigns of emperors Tiberius and Claudius, the site was reconstructed, possibly after a prodigious event, such as a lightning strike, that reinforced its divine significance.
Excavations have unearthed a fascinating array of votive offerings, both inside and outside the temple. These include oil lamps, glass ointment jars, bronze figurines, painted terracotta anatomical ex-votos, and even gold sheets, all bearing witness to rituals seeking divine intercession.
However, the most astonishing discoveries have come from within the sacred basin: bronze statues of unique quality and symbolism, preserved by the thermal water and mud.
Among the recovered artifacts are four new statues, votive heads and limbs inscribed, as well as ceremonial items such as a delicate oil lamp and a miniature bronze bull, which highlight the importance of the agro-pastoral world in ancient cosmology.
This year, over 10,000 coins spanning the Roman Republic to the Empire were also uncovered. At a deeper level, the team unearthed a gold crown and ring, along with a significant increase in the number of Roman aurei.
One of the most enigmatic pieces discovered this year is a male bronze torso, precisely cut from the neck to the genitals, dedicated by a certain Gaio Roscio to the “Hot Spring.” This sculpture may symbolize the healing of the part represented in the metal.
Also notable is a child figure portraying an augur with an Etruscan inscription and a pentagonal ball, which may have been used in divinatory rituals.
Another remarkable discovery is the presence of Etruscan and Latin inscriptions, offering a unique glimpse into the thoughts and beliefs of the time. These inscriptions include dedications to the Nymphs and Flere Havens (the hot spring in Etruscan), as well as oaths associated with Fortuna and the Genius of the Emperor.
In addition to the archaeological discoveries, efforts are now focused on consolidating this heritage for the future. Plans have been announced to establish the National Archaeological Museum of San Casciano dei Bagni in the Archpriest’s Palace, alongside the creation of an archaeological thermal park around Bagno Grande.
These initiatives aim not only to preserve the artifacts but also to revitalize the local community through cultural tourism and interdisciplinary research.
The project, involving more than 80 students and 90 specialists from around the world, exemplifies collaboration between public and private institutions.
Funded by organizations such as the University for Foreigners of Siena, the local archaeological association Eutyche Avidiena, and several international benefactors, the effort reflects a collective commitment to the conservation of history and its accessibility for future generations.
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