Ancient Treasures Discovered At Italian Thermal Spa, Including Bronze Snakes And Intact Eggs

Ancient treasures, including statues, coins, jewelry, and remarkably preserved eggs, have been unearthed from thermal baths in San Casciano dei Bagni, Tuscany, Italy, the culture ministry announced on Tuesday. These discoveries mark the latest in a series of findings at the site.

Excavations at the sacred thermal baths, ongoing since 2019, have revealed offerings from as early as the 3rd century B.C., a time when Etruscans and Romans believed in the healing powers of the hot springs. Items recovered include bronze sculptures of male and female figures, thousands of coins, a gold crown and ring, precious stones, and several snake statues. Among these is a nearly one-meter-long bronze depiction of Agathos Daimon, a horned, snake-like deity from Greek mythology, revered as a protector of the springs. According to the ministry, this statue is likely the largest of its kind, surpassing smaller examples housed in the British Museum in London and the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Additionally, thousands of eggshell fragments and intact eggs with visible yolks, as well as twigs adorned with plants and pinecones, were discovered as part of ancient offerings. The artefacts, buried beneath warm mud for over 2,000 years, remain exceptionally well-preserved.

San Casciano’s findings, including bronze statues unveiled in 2022, continue to shed light on the ancient Mediterranean world. Culture Minister Massimo Osanna described these discoveries as among the most significant since the Riace Bronzes, two ancient Greek warrior statues retrieved from the sea in 1972. The intricate details of the statues, from their flowing tunics to their inscriptions, have been remarkably safeguarded by the thick mud covering them.

A museum dedicated to these treasures is set to open in San Casciano by late 2026.