A wealth of ancient treasures has once again emerged at San Casciano dei Bagni. Archaeologists reveal extraordinary new finds, including gleaming gold crowns, intricately designed jewels, and thousands of ancient coins.
These latest discoveries add to the site’s reputation as one of Italy’s most remarkable archaeological locations, shedding light on its Etruscan and Roman past.
At the heart of this year’s excavation lies an astonishing bronze serpent, nearly a metre long, with coiled elegance and a striking horned, bearded head. Described as an “agatodaemon”—a benevolent spirit often represented in Roman larariums—this figure was strategically placed where sacred waters once flowed, embodying the site’s spiritual essence. According to Professor Jacopo Tabolli of the University for Foreigners of Siena, the serpent reflects the ancient practice of using water and symbols to communicate with deities, connecting visitors to divine realms in search of healing and guidance.
The finds also reveal that San Casciano dei Bagni was a hub for divination. Bronze figurines of nymphs, remarkably preserved chicken eggs, and inscriptions further illustrate how visitors sought more than physical healing—they came seeking answers to life’s uncertainties. The serpent and its smaller counterparts seem to symbolise a ritualistic bridge between worshippers and the springs’ sacred powers.
Among the offerings uncovered were over 10,000 coins, meticulously piled as though once held in vessels that have since decayed. Two golden crowns, one perfectly intact and another fragmented, were found alongside a ring adorned with amber. Yet, it is the bronze statues that continue to steal the spotlight, celebrated for their artistry and emotive storytelling.
Remarkably detailed statuary
One particularly moving discovery is a child’s statue from the 2nd century BCE, holding a ball with stitching so finely detailed it seems alive. Archaeologists speculate the child may have been a young augur, supported by the snake-shaped bracelet wrapped around his wrist and inscriptions referencing the Etruscan city-state of Cleusi (modern-day Chiusi). Could the crown have belonged to this young figure?
Another standout is a bronze torso. Offered to the springs by a certain Gaius Roscius in the 1st century BCE, experts believe it represents a healed body part. It has striking detail, reportedly inspired by depictions of Alexander the Great.
Last November, a two-metre high statue of Apollo was uncoverd a the site.
As these treasures undergo restoration and study, plans are underway to transform the site into a Thermal Archaeological Park and Museum, set to open by 2026. Excavations will resume this summer, promising even more discoveries.
