Secrets of a vanished Roman city: Claterna reveals its treasures

The treasures of antiquity continue to fascinate us, and the latest discovery in the Italian city of Claterna, known as the "Pompeii of the North" , confirms that archeology remains one of our most fascinating windows into the past. Recent excavations at this ancient Roman settlement, located near Bologna, have uncovered more than 3,000 coins and 50 gems, many of which feature images of ancient Roman gods, recreating moments of life in this amazing corner of antiquity.

The Italian Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Lucia Borgonzoni, described Claterna as the "Pompeii of the North" because of its archaeological value and wealth of finds. Excavations at this "magical site" have revealed not only a local secret society, streets and dwellings with colorful mosaics, but also Roman baths, revealing the rich heritage of this forgotten city.

The most stunning discovery was more than 3,000 coins, many of which were cast in silver and bronze. Among them, a rare silver quinarium, minted in 97 BC, stands out. Roman Republic.

This find not only dates the construction of the structure to the late 1st century BC, but also indicates that Klaterna was not just a place of pilgrimage, but a real "trade center" with direct links to Rome.

In addition to the coins, archaeologists discovered 50 precious stones engraved with images of gods and important buildings, including the same theater in the ruins of which the rare quinarium was found. These stones reveal to us the world in which the ancient Romans lived, and are a kind of chronicle of their religious beliefs and cultural values.

The Klaterna expedition continues to expand the boundaries of our knowledge of the ancient world. Excavations carried out on only one tenth of the city leave much still unknown. Francesca Tomba, Bologna's superintendent, hopes for further archaeological discoveries and plans to restore the theater for future generations.

Thus, excavations in Klaterna reveal the secrets of the ancient city, turning it into the “Pompeii of the North”. With coins, gems and other artifacts, this city comes alive before our eyes, providing a unique insight into the life of the ancient Romans. And, although much remains to be discovered, Klaterna has already become a key to unraveling the past, which we eagerly continue to explore.

Source: livescience.com