3,000 ancient coins and gems unearthed at Italy's "Pompeii of the north" — with only 10% of the site searched so far
CBSN
A trove of ancient coins and gems has been unearthed in northern Italy, marking the latest treasure discovery in an ongoing archaeological effort to explore Claterna, a bygone city described by officials as a "magical place" holding relics dating back 2,000 years.
Situated in an area which is now Bologna, Claterna was once a bustling hub for both culture and commerce, and had direct ties to Rome. The ancient city existed from the second century B.C. through the sixth century, according to the Museum of Claterna, which notes that the vibrant city once had multiple communal areas, including a market, a basilica and a theater, as well as a suburban area outside of the city center.
The archaeological site now being probed at Claterna covers about about 44 acres — and the relics unearthed so far have come from just 10% of the area, officials say. Outside of that relatively small section, the rest of the has not yet been thoroughly studied.
