• About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Archaeology News
  • Home
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • VR Tours
  • Quiz & Game
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
Archaeology News
No Result
View All Result
Home News Archaeology

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy

by Dario Radley
November 20, 2023

Italian researchers have unearthed over 3,000 Roman coins and 50 gems in the ancient Roman city of Claterna, near modern-day Bologna.

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy
Credit: Soprintendenza Bologna

Claterna, once a thriving hub of culture and commerce, dates back to the second century BCE and continued to flourish until the collapse of the Roman Empire.

Previous excavations led by the Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape Superintendency revealed remnants of a forum, sculptures, bathhouses, streets, and domus adorned with vibrant-colored marbles and mosaics.

The recent excavations, conducted on a mere tenth of the 44-acre site, have exposed the largest non-stratified archaeological area in Northern Italy. Among the treasures discovered are over 3,000 Roman coins, predominantly silver and bronze, and numerous gems engraved with images honoring Roman deities. Notably, a rare silver quinary from 97 BCE was found in the corridors of a newly discovered theatre complex.

More than 3,000 Roman coins and gems unearthed in Claterna, Italy
Two of the gems found at the site. Credit: Roberto Macri/Soprintendenza Bologna

Italian Undersecretary of State Lucia Borgonzoni highlighted the newfound importance of Claterna, stating, “Given the importance and quantity of finds brought to light so far, we can probably speak of a Pompeii of the North.” Contrary to previous assumptions, the discoveries challenge the notion that Claterna was merely a transit town, revealing it to be a significant trading center with direct ties to Rome.

RelatedStories

Roman cavalry swords lead to discovery of Iron Age settlement and possible Roman villa in Gloucestershire. Credit: James Haris

Roman cavalry swords lead to discovery of Iron Age settlement and possible Roman villa in Gloucestershire

July 7, 2025
Exceptionally preserved Roman wicker well with ladder unearthed in Norfolk

Exceptionally preserved Roman wicker well with ladder unearthed in Norfolk

July 4, 2025

Francesca Tomba, the superintendent of Bologna, emphasized the ongoing potential of the site, stating, “A large part of the site is still yet to be discovered.” The extensive excavation efforts have uncovered only one-tenth of the city, leaving much more to be explored and understood about Claterna’s past.

The unearthed coins and gems provide valuable insights into the city’s economic and cultural significance. The coins, including the rare quinarius, suggest Claterna was a bustling center of commerce rather than just a pilgrimage site. Borgonzoni noted, “It was a trading center with direct contacts with Rome,” emphasizing the economic ties that existed between Claterna and the capital.

The gems, engraved with depictions of Roman deities and structures, further showcase the city’s rich cultural history. Plans are underway to restore Claterna’s ancient theatre for future use, allowing visitors to experience the entertainment spectacles that once took place over 2,000 years ago.

The ongoing collaboration between Italy’s Cultural Ministry, the superintendency of Bologna, and local institutions aims to educate the public about Claterna’s historical significance. Lucia Borgonzoni expressed the intention to implement activities that “bring knowledge of this magical place rich in history to young people” and attract visitors from around the world.

ShareTweetShareShareSend

You May Also Like...

5,500-year-old 'Polish pyramids' discovered in western Poland reveal Neolithic engineering
Anthropology

5,500-year-old ‘Polish pyramids’ discovered in western Poland reveal Neolithic engineering

July 11, 2025
17th-century Gullberg’s fortress in Gothenburg brought to life through 3D reconstruction
Archaeology

17th-century Gullberg’s fortress in Gothenburg brought to life through 3D reconstruction

July 11, 2025
Neanderthals turned cave lion bones into multifunctional tools 130,000 years ago, study reveals
Anthropology

Neanderthals turned cave lion bones into multifunctional tools 130,000 years ago, study reveals

July 10, 2025
Donkey sacrifice from 4,500 years ago in ancient Gath reveals early Canaan–Egypt trade
Archaeology

Donkey sacrifice from 4,500 years ago in ancient Gath reveals early Canaan–Egypt trade

July 10, 2025
300,000-year-old wooden tools found in China reveal early humans’ plant-based diet and cognitive abilities in East Asia
Anthropology

300,000-year-old wooden tools found in China reveal early humans’ plant-based diet and cognitive abilities in East Asia

July 9, 2025
Lost medieval town of Hamarkaupangen rediscovered in Norway after years of searching
Archaeology

Lost medieval town of Hamarkaupangen rediscovered in Norway after years of searching

July 9, 2025

Follow us


Instagram
247K

Facebook
110K

Threads
43K

LinkedIn
12K

Twitter
6K

YouTube
1K
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Shipwreck Salvage. Credit: rawpixel.com / Public Domain

2,000-year-old shipwreck discovered off Turkish coast with remarkably preserved stacked ceramics

July 2, 2025
Viking age DNA reveals 9,000-year-old HIV-resistant gene originating near the Black Sea

Viking age DNA reveals 9,000-year-old HIV-resistant gene originating near the Black Sea

May 18, 2025
Neanderthals operated prehistoric “fat factory” 125,000 years ago on German lakeshore, study finds

Neanderthals operated prehistoric “fat factory” 125,000 years ago on German lakeshore

July 3, 2025
Exceptionally large Roman shoes discovered at Magna fort near Hadrian’s Wall

Exceptionally large Roman shoes discovered at Magna fort near Hadrian’s Wall

July 3, 2025
Genetic study reveals the origin and diversity of the Huns

European Huns were not of Turkic origin but had ancient Siberian roots, linguistic study reveals

June 24, 2025
$1 million prize offered to decipher 5,300-year-old Indus Valley script

$1 million prize offered to decipher 5,300-year-old Indus Valley script

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

A 21-year-old student successfully deciphered the first word from the Herculaneum scrolls, charred during Mount Vesuvius' eruption

A 21-year-old student successfully deciphered the first word from the Herculaneum scrolls, charred during Mount Vesuvius’ eruption

New evidence reveals the source of mercury in the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor

New evidence reveals the source of mercury in the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor

Oldest US firearm discovered in Arizona: a 500-year-old relic of Coronado's expedition

Oldest US firearm discovered in Arizona: a 500-year-old relic of Coronado’s expedition

5,500-year-old 'Polish pyramids' discovered in western Poland reveal Neolithic engineering

5,500-year-old ‘Polish pyramids’ discovered in western Poland reveal Neolithic engineering

July 11, 2025
17th-century Gullberg’s fortress in Gothenburg brought to life through 3D reconstruction

17th-century Gullberg’s fortress in Gothenburg brought to life through 3D reconstruction

July 11, 2025
Neanderthals turned cave lion bones into multifunctional tools 130,000 years ago, study reveals

Neanderthals turned cave lion bones into multifunctional tools 130,000 years ago, study reveals

July 10, 2025
Donkey sacrifice from 4,500 years ago in ancient Gath reveals early Canaan–Egypt trade

Donkey sacrifice from 4,500 years ago in ancient Gath reveals early Canaan–Egypt trade

July 10, 2025
300,000-year-old wooden tools found in China reveal early humans’ plant-based diet and cognitive abilities in East Asia

300,000-year-old wooden tools found in China reveal early humans’ plant-based diet and cognitive abilities in East Asia

July 9, 2025

Archaeology News online magazine

Archaeology News is an international online magazine that covers all aspects of archaeology.











Categories

  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Download
  • Game
  • News
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
  • Quiz
  • Tours

Subscribe to our newsletter

© 2024 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

  • Home
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • VR Tours
  • Quiz & Game
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum

About  .  Contact  .  Donation

© 2024 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved

We use cookies to improve your experience and enable functionality and security of this site. Further detail is available in our Privacy Policy. By accepting all cookies, you consent to our use of cookies and use of data.