Experts predict that the discovery of two dozen figurines and coins, including bronze statues constructed 2,000 years ago, will “rewrite history.”
The archaeological discovery, which was made public by Italian officials on Tuesday, is thought to fundamentally alter our understanding of how the Etruscan civilization came to give rise to the Roman Empire.
In an archaeological dig in Siena, the sculptures were discovered in the holy baths of San Casciano dei Bagni, where muck had concealed and fully preserved their delicate features, inscriptions, and wavy tunics.
According to Massimo Osanna, director of museums for the cultural ministry, the discovery is among the most important Mediterranean finds ever and the most significant since the legendary Riace bronze warriors were discovered underwater in 1972.
According to the ministry, 5,000 coins in gold, silver, and bronze were also included with the figures.
The ministry declared that a brand-new museum will be built nearby to display the outstanding artifacts and highlight the importance of the discoveries.
The University for Foreigners in Siena’s Jacopo Tabolli, who oversaw the dig, said the historic find provided new insight into the Etruscan civilization and the growth of the Roman Empire in what is now central Italy.
What are now Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio experienced a number of wars and conflicts between the first and second centuries BC.
However, these bronze statues are proof that families from the Etruscan and Roman cultures prayed to the same gods in the holy sanctuary of the thermal springs.
According to the ministry, the discoveries included whole bodies as well as individual body parts that would have been sacrificed to the gods in exchange for receiving medical treatment from the thermal waters.
Since terracotta makes up the majority of the remaining antiquities, the historical treasures also comprise the country’s largest collection of bronzes from this time period, according to the ministry.
Mr. Tabolli continued, “It’s a discovery that will rewrite history.”