UNEARTHING A TREASURE TROVE

The Astonishing Discovery of Etruscan and Roman Statues in San Casciano dei Bagni, Tuscany.

It’s not since the 1972 underwater discovery of the famed Riace bronze warriors that we’ve witnessed a historical discovery on our doorstep that can transport us back in time and offer a glimpse into ancient cultures. But in San Casciano dei Bagni, Tuscany, A short 30 minute drive from Città della Pieve that is exactly what happened in November 2022, when a treasure trove of undamaged Etruscan and Roman statues were unearthed. This remarkable find followed the discovery of ex-votos and hundreds of gold coins in the sanctuary opening a new window into the past, offering an opportunity to explore the culture and legacy and beliefs of not one but two ancient civilisations never before considered to have worshipped together on the same site.

As archaeologist resume their excavation this month, I wanted take a look into the history and legacy of these statues, their significance, and the site of excavation. I will also examine some of the challenges faced by archaeologists and conservators and the enormous significance of this discovery.

The History behind the Statues

These Etruscan and Roman statues lied peacefully side by side for over 2,300 years, deep in the mud and thermal hot-springs of San Casciano dei Bagni. But in November 2022 a votive array of 24 wrought bronze statues, five being almost one metre tall, was unearthed by archeologists. In a perfect state of preservation the statues were all complete sending shockwaves round the world.   

“It’s a discovery that will rewrite history and one which more than 60 global experts are already working on,” says archaeologist Jacopo Tabolli

Lying on the bottom of the large Roman ‘vasca’ or pool, the young and very beautiful ephebe seems to be sleeping. Next to him is Hygeia (Igea), the goddess of health who was the daughter or wife of Asclepius, with a serpent curled on her arm. A bit farther away, also partly submerged, you can see Apollo, and then other divinities, matrons, youths, and emperors. 

The Etruscans lived in central Italy from the 8th to the 3rd century BCE. They were known for their artistic skills, particularly in metalworking, and their religious practices, which included elaborate funeral rites, and you’ll see their small burial urns all over this region, often used by locals as flower pots. The Romans, who succeeded the Etruscans as the dominant power in Italy, were similarly skilled in the arts and engineering, as well as being known for their military might.

This treasure trove of statues has suddenly brought to life the combined customs and ideology of these two ancient civilizations. The Etruscan statues, for example, depict a wide range of themes, from the everyday to the sacred. Some feature animals, such as lions and bulls, while others depict gods and goddesses, such as Turan and Hercle. The Roman statues, on the other hand, showcase the impressive realism and attention to detail that characterised Roman art, particularly in their depictions of the human body.

These statues were not just objects of beauty, however. They were an integral part of Etruscan and Roman life, used in religious ceremonies, funerary rites, and public displays of power. Many of the statues were made of bronze or terracotta, showing the technical genius of the artists.

The excavation of these statues provides not only an aesthetic thrill but also a glimpse into the ancient worldview and way of life. And by studying and analysing these objects, we can better understand the cultures that created them and the values they held dear.

The Significance of the Statues

Specialists from many disciplines – architects, geologists, botanists, epigraphists and numismatists – worked together carefully to extract the 24 statues, dating from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD. The statues are unique as they represent the values and beliefs of the Etruscan and Roman civilizations. Also they contain inscriptions in Etruscan, showing that the language survived well into roman times. The site is thought to have been not only a religious and social area, but also as a peaceful sanctuary where both cultures mixed.

Fashioned in all likelihood by local craftsmen the shrine, with its bubbling hot pools, sloping terraces, fountains and altars existed at least from the third century BC and remained active until the fifth century AD, Archeologist Tabolli states, In Christian times the site was closed but not destroyed, its pools sealed with heavy stone pillars, and the divinities laid prone and entrusted respectfully to the thermal waters. 

The pillars laid-down covering the site explain the still-intact treasure trove, In effect “the greatest store of statues from ancient Italy and in any case the only one whose context we can wholly reconstruct,” says Tabolli.  Partly arranged on the branches of a huge tree trunk set into the bottom of the pool, and in many cases covered with inscriptions, the statues, like the countless votive offerings, came from the great families of the local area and beyond, members of the elites of the Etruscan and the Roman worlds, landowners, local lords, affluent classes from Rome and indeed also emperors. Here, surprisingly, the Etruscan language appears to confirm that their knowledge in the medical field appears to have been recognised and accepted in the Roman era too. 

In short, it is a great shrine that appears to recount itself as a unique place for the ancients too, a sort of a bubble of peace, if you will, as Tabolli explains, “that even in historical epochs in which the most awful conflicts were raging outside, inside these pools and on these altars the two worlds, the Etruscan and Roman appear to have co-existed without problems”. Perhaps, the archaeologist posits, because of the fact that water itself had since time immemorial remained the presiding deity with its divination, force and power: “Here time passes, language changes, even the names of the deities change, but the type of worship and the therapeutic intervention of the thermal waters remain.”

The Challenges of the Excavation Process

However, unearthing these statues was not an easy feat. The excavation process poses several challenges, from the delicate handling of fragile objects to dealing with the complexities of the watery excavation site. For those who’ve visited the public thermal tubs adjacent to the site will know the the water is boiling hot, so archeologists have to take great care while digging the soil as they wade through thigh high boiling water. In addition, the excavation site is located on the slope of a hill, making it difficult for excavators to navigate around the area with heavy equipment.

Insights into Etruscan and Roman Culture

The statues portray human and divine figures adorned with intricate jewelry, clothing, and symbols that reveal much about the social and religious practices of the time.

The Etruscans were known for their artistry and skill in metallurgy, as demonstrated by the jewelry found on the statues. The figures depicted in the statues were often used in religious rituals, and their clothing and accessories were likely a representation of their social status. Similarly, the Roman statues show elements of Greek influences, such as the use of togas and sandals.

These statues also provide insight into the mythological beliefs of these cultures. The Etruscans believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, and their statues often depicted these deities with human-like qualities. The Roman statues, on the other hand, often portrayed historical figures or mythological heroes.

As the excavation continues, we can expect to learn even more about the rich history of Tuscany and the people who once inhabited this land. And as they continue to explore and uncover hidden gems from our past, we are reminded of the wonders waiting to be discovered. So, if you find yourself in Tuscany/Umbria, be sure to witness this incredible piece of history for yourself, You can even book a free tour of the archaeological site with the tourist office in San Casciano dei Bagni. For more thermal bath experiences check out my post MY ITALIAN THERMAL SPA CLUB