Unveiling the Past: A Roman 'Piggy Bank' with Tens of Thousands of Coins Discovered in a French Village
Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in the tranquil village of Senon, northeastern France. A team from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) unearthed three ancient 'piggy banks' filled with an astonishing number of Roman coins. These vessels, known as amphorae, were buried beneath a house floor approximately 1,700 years ago, offering a unique glimpse into the financial practices of the Roman era.
The amphorae, weighing a total of 38 to 50 kilograms, contained an estimated 23,000 to 40,000 coins. This discovery is significant as it provides valuable insights into the economic and social life of the region during the Roman period. The coins, dating back to between AD 280 and 310, feature emperors of the Gallic Empire, including Victorinus, Tetricus I, and Tetricus II.
The amphorae were strategically placed in carefully constructed pits within the living area of a residence, with their openings level with the floor, facilitating easy access for deposits over time. This suggests that the containers served as long-term savings rather than hastily concealed wealth. The discovery challenges the notion that these coin hoards were hastily buried during times of crisis, as the presence of a few coins stuck to the rim of the jar indicates deposits made after the vase was buried.
The residential district, equipped with stone buildings, underfloor heating, basements, and workshops, provides a fascinating picture of Roman life. A nearby Roman fortification and the settlement's history of major fires, leading to its eventual abandonment, add to the historical significance of this discovery. The coins, buried and forgotten for nearly two thousand years, have now been brought to light by Inrap's excavations, offering a unique window into the past.
