Workers digging to install water pipes have discovered 19 urns containing a huge treasure trove.
Workers installing pipes in a park in southern Spain have unearthed a trove of Roman coins weighing 600kg, a discovery that cultural officials have described as of unique historical significance, according to the Dailymail.
The Seville Archaeological Museum said workers found 19 urns containing thousands of unused bronze and silver coins dating back to the 3rd and 4th centuries.
It is believed that the coins were recently minted when they were buried and may have been kept to pay soldiers or civil servants.
The museum’s director, Ana Navarro, said the discovery in the town of Tomares, on the southern outskirts of Seville, was unique in Spain and was of “invaluable value”.
She told reporters that the museum had been in contact with partners in Britain, France and Italy and that the find appeared to be one of the most important of its time.
Construction workers found 19 ceramic jars containing thousands of unused bronze and silver coins dating from the late 3rd century, the Seville Archaeological Museum said.
Navarro said the coins studied so far all bear images of the emperors Constantine and Maximian, along with various illustrations on the reverse.
Maximianus was born around 250 AD and held several high military positions before serving under the emperor Aurelian. He ascended the throne in 285 AD and took the тιтle of emperor Augustus.
Each emperor had his own court, army, palace and laws. As a result, these coins were issued nationwide. The Spanish culture ministry said the museum does not have any similar coins in its collection.
