Museo di San Mamiliano: Echoes of Etruscans and a Golden Hoard

The Museo di San Mamiliano, nestled in the heart of Sovana, resides within the ancient Church of San Mamiliano. This unassuming structure gained significant historical importance in 2004 during an archaeological excavation. The excavation revealed a Roman thermal bath system and a stunning treasure of 498 gold coins dating back to the 5th century AD. The church was then transformed into a museum, showcasing a portion of the excavation site. The museum's collection spans from the Etruscan period to the early Middle Ages, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's past. Highlights include artifacts recovered from excavations in Sovana and surrounding necropolises, such as the Cavone votive deposit. Architectural terracotta pieces from a sacred building unearthed in Sovana in 1895, a collection of thin-walled vases, Lombard artifacts from the Villa Biagiola, and lead statuettes with inscribed names dedicated to underworld deities are also on display. The gold coins, likely hidden in the late 5th century during a period of invasions, are solidi aurei introduced by Constantine in 324 AD and used throughout the Byzantine Empire until the 10th century. These coins, minted under emperors Leo I and Anthemius, represent a significant archaeological find. Some believe this treasure is linked to the legendary "treasure of Montecristo" described by Alexandre Dumas. Following restoration work completed in 2020, the museum features a new layout with a broader range of artifacts and an improved lighting system, allowing visitors to explore the crypt of the ancient church.