Image(s) credit: Soprintendenza Bologna
NEWS: Over 3,000 ancient Roman coins and 50 gems found at site of Roman town of Claterna
Ongoing excavations on the site of the ancient Roman town of Claterna have uncovered over 3,000 coins and 50 gems. The site of Claterna has already proved to be an archaeological gold mine, with structures of the town such as the forum, public baths, houses, and streets already being uncovered along with exquisite artefacts found inside them. Claterna is situated near modern day Bologna in northern Italy and, with the wealth of finds continuing to be excavated at the site, Lucia Borgonzoni from the Italian Ministry of Culture has referred to Claterna as “a Pompeii of the North.” One particularly notable coin in the hoard is a silver quinarius minted in 97 BC during the period of the Roman republic. The rare coin was found in the remains of a corridor in what was a theatre. This hoard has changed the historical perspective of the town of Claterna as a centre for trade as well as its already established reputation as a religious centre. “It was a trading center with direct contacts with Rome,” Lucia Borgonzoni has argued.
In a statement, Lucia Borgonzoni said:
“We are facing the largest non-stratified archaeological area in Northern Italy. Given the importance and quantity of finds brought to light so far, we can probably speak of a Pompeii of the north. The finds yield very precious and significant materials”.
Francesca Tomba, the superintendent of Bologna, has stated that “a large part of the site is still yet to be discovered.” The aim is to continue work on the 44 acre (18 hectare) site and transform it from an archaeological site into an archaeological park with increased funding from the Ministry of Culture.
21/11/2023