Haul of Ancient Roman Coins Discovered in Sicily

A significant archaeological discovery was made on the island of Pantelleria, where a team led by archaeologist Thomas Schaefer from the University of Tuebingen uncovered 27 silver Roman coins. These coins, dating from 94 to 74 BC, were found during a restoration project in the Acropolis, part of the Archaeological Park of Selinunte. This site is notable for its historical significance, including remnants of an ancient Greek colony established in the 7th century BC. The recent find follows a previous discovery in 2010, where 107 Roman silver coins were unearthed in the same area. Additionally, the site is near where three renowned imperial statue heads of Caesar, Agrippina, and Titus were discovered. The coins are believed to have been minted in Rome during the Republican era, providing insights into the historical context of trade and political relations in the Mediterranean during that time. Some of the coins surfaced due to heavy rains, while others were excavated from beneath a rock. They have already been cleaned and cataloged for further study. The archaeologist speculated that the coins may have been hidden away during a pirate attack, suggesting a dramatic historical narrative behind their concealment. Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, a regional councilor for cultural heritage, emphasized the importance of this discovery for understanding the Mediterranean's historical events and trade dynamics during the Republican age, highlighting its potential to enrich our knowledge of ancient history.