Little did he know that just a few meters away stood a sanctuary built by the Etruscans in the second century BC, containing a treasure that could now turn the fortunes of this relatively isolated town of 1,400 near Siena. “We used to gather at the springs for parties, too,” Canuti said. “It’s strange to think that these treasures were so close, but then again we’ve always been curious as to why nothing related had ever been found. This is an area rich in thermal baths built by the Etruscans and Romans, and many relics had been found in nearby towns, so why not in San Casciano dei Bagni?’ Agnese Carletti, the town’s mayor, was also curious. With the support of the government and private donors, he helped launch an archaeological project that led to the discovery of 24 bronze statues, most dedicated to gods, buried in mud and boiling water in the ruins of a network of thermal springs. which was a place of worship for both the Etruscans and the Romans. “It’s like we found oil,” Carletti said. “Perhaps all these gods will now bring us some good fortune.” He said he hopes the find will spark a tourism boost in a city facing economic challenges due to depopulation. San Casciano dei Bagni. Photo: Fani Kurti/Getty Images/iStockphoto The bronzes – the largest discovery of their kind in Italy – included a sleeping teenage girl lying next to Hygeia, the goddess of health, with a snake coiled around her arm, and a statue dedicated to Apollo, the god of the sun and light . The statues, which experts said were commissioned by wealthy families in the area, once graced the rim of the oval-shaped baths before being submerged in the water in a ceremony believed to have taken place in the first century AD. Along with the bronzes, more than 6,000 coins were found along with many votive offerings, including small figurines. Photo: Beni Culturali/Sintesi/Sipa/Rex/Shutterstock Excavations have also revealed 6,000 coins, along with a number of votive offerings. These include small figurines depicting the palm of a hand holding money, a penis, a pair of breasts and a child wrapped in swaddling clothes that would have been offered to the gods and consecrated in the hope of bringing conception or general good luck. The project, which residents have fondly likened to what Indiana Jones might have undertaken, is led by Dr. Jacopo Tabolli, assistant professor at the University for Foreigners in Siena. Some of the bronzes from the site. Photo: Beni Culturali/Sintesi/Sipa/Rex/Shutterstock He said the sanctuary, which became more luxurious during the Roman period when emperors including Augustus frequented it, remained active until the 5th century AD before being closed, but not destroyed, during Christian times. The pools were sealed with heavy stone pillars while the divine statues remained in the water, which was rich in minerals including calcium and magnesium. “This water was considered great for the liver, for treating pain in the face, for helping fertility,” Tabolli said. “There were many ritual practices associated with pregnancy, so the issue of birth was extremely important. But this was definitely not drinking water, as it is poisonous.” Etruscan and Roman inscriptions have also been found at the site, and Tabolli said the artefacts uncovered so far represented an important testimony to the transition between the two historical periods, with the baths considered a haven of peace. Subscribe to This is Europe The most central stories and debates about Europeans – from identity to the economy to the environment Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The Christian era paid for the space to be used for pagan rituals, but the baths next to the sanctuary and others scattered around the Tuscan countryside attracted visitors from all over Europe during Renaissance times. Excavations at the Etruscan-Roman sanctuary at San Casciano dei Bagni. Photo: Cultural Heritage / Siddesi / Sipa / Rex / Shutterstock In 1585, the Medicis created a structure on the site and during excavations they found relics, including altars, which were then transferred to the nearby Roman baths of Fontaverde, where the Florentine banking family built a palace, which today is a five-star wellness . resort. Fontaverde has captured most of the hot springs’ reputation to date, but the discoveries at San Casciano dei Bagni are creating a buzz in the town. The relics will be restored and further studied in the coming months before finally being housed in a museum to be set up in a 16th-century building recently purchased by the Italian Ministry of Culture. More treasures are expected to be discovered when excavations resume next summer, with the site eventually being turned into an archaeological park. Bathing in the hot springs under the light of the full moon on Thursday, the existence of the adjacent enclosed archaeological delight also came as a surprise to Sabrina Lepri, a visitor from Perugia. “I was wondering what was behind the fence,” he said. “I’ve been coming here for 25 years, I love the springs for their natural wildness. Every time I come out of the baths my skin feels incredible, like I’ve had a massage. I hope the new rumor doesn’t change things too much.”
