In a captivating exhibition at Rome’s Quirinale Palace, a remarkable collection of sculptures and artifacts recently unearthed in the thermal baths of San Casciano dei Bagni, an ancient Etruscan city-state near Chiusi, is on display. Titled “The Gods Return: the Bronzes of San Casciano,” the exhibition showcases over 20 statues and statuettes, along with thousands of bronze coins and anatomical votive offerings, some of which are the first of their kind to be discovered, including intricately detailed bronze renditions of internal organs.
The objects, primarily dating from the second century B.C.E. to the first century C.E., were found in exceptional condition thanks to the mud in which they were buried. The lengthy inscriptions in Etruscan and Latin remain intact, providing valuable insights into the history and culture of the time.
The artifacts were brought to light during an ongoing archaeological excavation of the thermal baths, which began in 2019 near the Tuscan town of San Casciano dei Bagni. When initial attempts to uncover the ruins yielded little result, a retired garbage disposal worker and amateur historian named Stefano Petrini had a moment of inspiration that redirected the excavation efforts. Petrini recalled seeing parts of Roman columns on a nearby wall in a friend’s vegetable garden and promptly informed the archaeologists. “It all started there, from the columns,” Petrini explained to Reuters.
Luigi La Rocca, a culture ministry official, expressed his awe at the discovery, emphasizing the variety, quality, and exceptional condition of the bronze artifacts. “It was like a time capsule waiting to be opened,” said Emanuele Mariotti, the excavation director, as he marveled at the significance of the find. The inscriptions on the bronzes, some of which originated from the city of Perugia over 40 miles away, indicate the extensive cultural interactions that took place at the site, according to Jacopo Tabolli, the scientific director of the excavation and co-curator of the Quirinal exhibition.
The artifacts were concealed due to the Etruscan tradition known as “fulgur conditum,” wherein objects struck by lightning were believed to possess divine powers and were subsequently buried. The healing properties associated with the waters of San Casciano attracted various communities, including pagans, Etruscans, Romans, and Christians.
Plans are underway to establish a new museum in Rome’s city center to serve as a permanent home for these remarkable finds. Officials anticipate that at least a portion of the museum will be open to the public as early as next year.
“The Gods Return: The Bronzes of San Casciano” exhibition can be viewed in Rome until July 25 and will return from September 2 to October 29. This extraordinary display offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and cultural significance of the Etruscan civilization through these beautifully preserved bronze sculptures and artifacts.