Archaeological excavations at the Bagno Grande sanctuary in San Casciano dei Bagni, Tuscany, Italy, have uncovered a wealth of artifacts that highlight the Etruscan-Roman heritage of this ancient thermal site.
Excavations at the Bagno Grande sanctuary in Tuscany reveal rich Etruscan-Roman artifacts. Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture
Dating back to the 3rd century BCE, the sanctuary was originally constructed by the Etruscans and later developed by the Romans into the renowned spa complex, Balnea Clusinae. Revered for its therapeutic H๏τ springs, the site attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire, including Caesar Augustus.
The recent excavation, spanning June to October 2024, focused on the sacred temenos, a walled enclosure surrounding the sanctuary, and revealed the remnants of a central temple built around a thermal water basin. Within this sacred space, archaeologists unearthed an array of votive offerings and artifacts remarkably preserved by thermal waters and clay.
Bronze head found in the Etruscan-Roman sanctuary of San Casciano dei Bagni in Tuscany. Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture
Among the most notable finds are four bronze statues, votive limbs, and heads, inscribed with dedications. A striking bronze torso, bisected from neck to genitals, was dedicated by a man named Gaius Roscius to the “H๏τ Spring.” Researchers suggest this statue symbolizes the healing of specific ailments. Other discoveries include a child statue portraying an augur priest holding a pentagonal ball, likely used in divination rituals, and elegant votive heads inscribed in Latin.
Among the most notable finds are four bronze statues, inscribed with dedications. Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture
Bronze statue of a child holding what appears to be a ball, discovered in San Casciano dei Bagni. Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture
Inscriptions in both Etruscan and Latin were uncovered, including dedications to the Nymphs and the thermal spring, referred to as “Flere Havens” in Etruscan, and oaths to Fortuna and the Genius of the Emperor.
The sacred basin contained a diverse range of offerings, including oil lamps, glᴀss unguent jars, painted terracotta anatomical votives, and coins—more than 10,000 spanning the Roman Republic to the Empire. Precious metals, such as a gold crown and ring, Roman aurei, and fragments of amber and gemstones, were also uncovered. Notably, the presence of preserved eggs, some with intact yolks, suggests rites symbolizing rebirth and regeneration.
Another bronze statue found in San Casciano dei Bagni. Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture
Decorative elements such as pinecones, branches, and bronze serpents—one nearly a meter long and thought to represent the Agathodaimon, a protective spirit—emphasize the connection between the rejuvenating waters and nature’s generative power.
Over 10,000 coins, dating from the Roman Republic to the Empire, were discovered in the sanctuary pool. Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture
Sculpture of a bronze snake, found inside the thermal pool. Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture
Inscriptions in both Etruscan and Latin were uncovered. Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture
Efforts are underway to preserve these extraordinary finds. The National Archaeological Museum of San Casciano dei Bagni is being established in the Archpriest’s Palace to house the artifacts, while a thermal archaeological park is planned around Bagno Grande to promote cultural tourism.
More information: Ministero della Cultura
