Italian newspapers have reported a significant archaeological discovery on the remote Sicilian island of Pantelleria, where a trove of 27 Roman silver coins dating back to 94-74 BC was unearthed. This remarkable find was made during a cleaning and restoration project led by archaeologist Thomas Schäfer from the University of Tübingen, Germany. The coins were located in the Acropolis, part of the Selinunte Archaeological Park, which is renowned for its rich historical significance and remains of an ancient Greek colony founded in the 7th century BC.
The recent discovery adds to the historical narrative of the site, where a similar cache of 107 Roman silver coins was found in 2010. These coins, likely minted in Rome, provide insights into the commercial contacts and political relations that shaped the Mediterranean during the Republican era of Rome, which lasted until the establishment of the Roman Empire in 27 BC. Cultural heritage advisor Francesco Paolo Scarpinato emphasized the importance of this find in understanding the dynamics of the era.
Interestingly, some of the coins were discovered in soft soil following recent heavy rains, while others were hidden beneath a rock during excavation. Archaeologist Schäfer hypothesized that the treasure may have been concealed during a pirate attack, never to be recovered. Given Sicily's strategic location in the Mediterranean, the island has played a crucial role in trade routes throughout history, making such discoveries invaluable to understanding the region's past.
- The Selinunte Archaeological Park, where the coins were found, is one of the largest archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. It not only contains remnants of ancient Greek civilization but also reflects the complex history of Sicily, which has seen various cultures and civilizations over the centuries, including the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. The discovery of the Roman coins adds another layer to this rich tapestry of history, illustrating the interactions and exchanges that took place in this vital region of the Mediterranean.
