A discovery of Roman Emperor coins near Tower Brightstars – Getty Images An amateur archaeological team uncovered a gold coin in a field, sparking a comprehensive search that uncovered 141 Roman-era gold coins dating back to the late fourth century A.D. These coins span the reigns of nine emperors, each depicted on the gold “solidi.” Among the treasures are coins featuring Emperor Eugenius, whose brief two-year rule makes his coins among the rarest in the collection. In a literal interpretation of “navigating a minefield,” archaeologists in Luxembourg conducted their search amidst buried World War II explosives, unearthing the cache at the base of a Roman fortified watchtower. Following four years of excavation, researchers are now set to study this unique hoard of gold coins minted between 364 A.D. and 408 A.D., showcasing the profiles of the nine emperors from that era. Described as a significant archaeological find, the excavation was overseen by Luxembourg’s National Institute for Archaeological Research, who emphasized the insights to be gained from studying this ancient monetary deposit within its archaeological context. The project began when amateur archaeologists found a single gold coin in a nearby field in Holzthum village, leading to the discovery of the fortified military observation tower and the subsequent uncovering of the entire cache. The team’s efforts were complicated by the presence of World War II munitions, requiring collaboration with the Luxembourg Army’s Bomb Disposal Service. The resulting haul of 141 solidi, with faces of nine different Roman emperors, is estimated to be worth around $322,000. Among these, the three coins featuring Emperor Eugenius are particularly noteworthy, given his tumultuous reign and the circumstances surrounding his rule. Eugenius, who briefly held power in the Western Roman Empire, faced challenges from Theodosius I and ultimately met his end in battle. The use of solidi as a standardized monetary system by the Byzantine emperors in the early fourth century A.D. is reflected in this hoard, offering insight into the cultural and monetary practices of the Roman Empire at that time. This discovery provides a fascinating glimpse into the historical context of the Roman era, shedding light on its monetary system and imperial succession. Now that the fieldwork is complete, researchers are poised to delve deeper into the significance of this remarkable find.
Researchers are shifting their attention towards a deeper exploration of the coins themselves, as they delve into a laboratory setting to extract further information. The ultimate aim is to unveil additional insights, which could potentially pave the way for future scholarly publications. Stay tuned for the latest developments in this fascinating study!
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