'Exceptional' ancient bronze statues uncovered in Tuscany

Two dozen amazingly preserved bronze statues dating back to ancient Roman times were found in thermal baths in Tuscany. The statues were discovered in San Casciano dei Bagni, a hilltop town in the Siena province, about 160 kilometres north of Rome. The statues, depicting Hygieia, Apollo and other divinities, used to adorn a sanctuary before they were immersed in thermal waters, in a sort of ritual, around the first century AD. Most of the statues date to between the second century BC and the first century AD.

The statues were covered by almost 6,000 bronze, silver and gold coins, and San Casciano's hot muddy waters helped to preserve them. 24 large statues, plus several smaller statuettes, were found, all in bronze.

Visitors are said to have thrown coins into the baths as a votive gesture to the gods for good heath and luck.