Log in or Sign up
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
Ancient Coins
>
Coins and votive offerings found at sanctuary
>
Reply to Thread
Message:
<p>[QUOTE="Bart9349, post: 8471546, member: 5682"]Here’s an article that might yield further insights into the find and the stunning preservation of the coins:</p><p><br /></p><p>San Casciano is a geothermal hub with forty hot springs, six connected to the thermal sanctuary. The Etruscan picked this location to utilize the therapeutic power of the water's chemical properties -- it is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, as well as chloride and sulfates.</p><p><br /></p><p>San Casciano's ancient thermal baths functioned like a hospital clinic, with visitors seeking respite from respiratory problems or aching bones. For many, a float in the waters reduced their pain, so after their bath they'd throw offerings to the gods into the bubbly pools giving thanks for being healed. These included tree branches, scented pine cones and fruits such as peaches -- which have been recovered in well-preserved states thanks to the layers of mud the site has since been covered by.</p><p><br /></p><p>The number of coins of bronze, silver and orichalcum -- a precious metal believed by the Romans to have mystical powers -- found in the big bath is also extraordinary, said Tabolli. It is the largest collection of ancient currency associated with hot springs in the Mediterranean, and unique also for their perfect state of preservation. The coins have retained their original coloring both thanks to the water's chemical properties and due to being blanketed by mud, which prevented oxidation.</p><p>"They're still shiny brown and shiny yellow -- such bright colors have never been found in any excavation site," said Tabolli. "It's a miracle."</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://us.cnn.com/style/article/san-casciano-dei-bagni-thermal-baths-relics-scn/index.html" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://us.cnn.com/style/article/san-casciano-dei-bagni-thermal-baths-relics-scn/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://us.cnn.com/style/article/san-casciano-dei-bagni-thermal-baths-relics-scn/index.html</a>[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="Bart9349, post: 8471546, member: 5682"]Here’s an article that might yield further insights into the find and the stunning preservation of the coins: San Casciano is a geothermal hub with forty hot springs, six connected to the thermal sanctuary. The Etruscan picked this location to utilize the therapeutic power of the water's chemical properties -- it is rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, as well as chloride and sulfates. San Casciano's ancient thermal baths functioned like a hospital clinic, with visitors seeking respite from respiratory problems or aching bones. For many, a float in the waters reduced their pain, so after their bath they'd throw offerings to the gods into the bubbly pools giving thanks for being healed. These included tree branches, scented pine cones and fruits such as peaches -- which have been recovered in well-preserved states thanks to the layers of mud the site has since been covered by. The number of coins of bronze, silver and orichalcum -- a precious metal believed by the Romans to have mystical powers -- found in the big bath is also extraordinary, said Tabolli. It is the largest collection of ancient currency associated with hot springs in the Mediterranean, and unique also for their perfect state of preservation. The coins have retained their original coloring both thanks to the water's chemical properties and due to being blanketed by mud, which prevented oxidation. "They're still shiny brown and shiny yellow -- such bright colors have never been found in any excavation site," said Tabolli. "It's a miracle." [URL]http://us.cnn.com/style/article/san-casciano-dei-bagni-thermal-baths-relics-scn/index.html[/URL][/QUOTE]
Your name or email address:
Do you already have an account?
No, create an account now.
Yes, my password is:
Forgot your password?
Stay logged in
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
Ancient Coins
>
Coins and votive offerings found at sanctuary
>
Home
Home
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Activity
Recent Posts
Forums
Forums
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Posts
Competitions
Competitions
Quick Links
Competition Index
Rules, Terms & Conditions
Gallery
Gallery
Quick Links
Search Media
New Media
Showcase
Showcase
Quick Links
Search Items
Most Active Members
New Items
Directory
Directory
Quick Links
Directory Home
New Listings
Members
Members
Quick Links
Notable Members
Current Visitors
Recent Activity
New Profile Posts
Sponsors
Menu
Search
Search titles only
Posted by Member:
Separate names with a comma.
Newer Than:
Search this thread only
Search this forum only
Display results as threads
Useful Searches
Recent Posts
More...