3,000 Roman Coins, Gems Found in an Ancient Site Provide Insight on ‘Pompeii of the North’

Italian archeologists have discovered over 3,000 coins and 50 gems, many of which were adorned with the images of ancient Roman deities.

Treasures From the Past

The massive finding was made during ongoing excavations at Claterna, an ancient Roman town strategically located along the Via Emilia between the colonies Bononia and Forum Cornelii. According to Italian undersecretary of state to the Ministry of Culture Lucia Borgonzoni, the place is the largest non-stratified archeological area in Northern Italy. Given the importance and quality of finds in Claterna, it can be considered as the 'Pompeii of the north.'

Archeologists at Claterna had previously found streets, Roman baths, a forum, and a dwelling with multicolored mosaics and Roman baths. In the latest excavations at this 'magical place,' experts unearthed thousands of coins which were mainly cast in silver and bronze.

One of the highlights of the discovery is a 'quinarius,' a rare silver coin made in 97 B.C. by the Roman Republic. It features a detailed depiction of a 'winged victory' writing on a shield, resting on a trophy. It also has a clear presence of the writing 'ROMA' which testifies to the celebration of military victories and the city's ties with Roman influences. It was also spotted hidden in the remains of a corridor in a former theater.

The coin helped confirm that the theater was built sometime near the end of the first century B.C. Aside from this, it also suggests that Claterna was likely the "center of commerce" for ancient Romans and not just a pilgrimage site. As described by Borgonzoni, it was a trading center with direct contacts with Rome.

In addition to the large collection of coins, dozens of colored gems were also unearthed by archeologists. These gems were engraved with the likeness of different deities and important structures in Claterna. They also suggest that the ancient town has a workshop that specialized in their production.

Excavations at the site will continue since only one-tenth of Claterna has been explored. The research team hopes to restore the structures, especially the theater, for future use. The extraordinary discoveries also suggest that this place can be transformed into an archeological park in Northern Italy.

Role of Claterna to Roman Network

As a crucial staging point between two main colonies, Claterna occupied a regular position which corresponded to a day's march for the Roman legions. Since it is situated between the hamlet of Maggio and the Quaderna stream, it gave strategic importance to the Roman road network.

Established at the beginning of the second century B.C., Claterna initially developed as a modest village and obtained the status of municipium in the first century B.C. Afterwards, it became the capital of an area between the Idice and Sillaro streams.

Like other cities of the Roman empire, Claterna began to decline during a tumultuous period in the third century. It got affected by the economic and political crisis of Roman institutions and saw a gradual impoverishment and demographic decrease.