The National Archaeological Museum of Madrid has unveiled a groundbreaking exhibit featuring an extraordinary collection of over 50,000 Ancient Roman coins, marking the first public display of the ‘Treasure of Tomares.’ Discovered during construction work in Seville in 2016, the collection dates from the late third century to the early fourth century A.D., providing rare insight into the Tetrarchy period and the end of the 3rd-century crisis.
The ‘Treasure of Tomares’ includes 19 amphorae, three of which are on display. One amphora, now fragmented, reveals nearly 2,800 coins that have remarkably preserved some of their original features, including handles, despite centuries of corrosion. The other two amphorae remain sealed, their contents still intact. This significant find, one of the largest in the world, highlights Spain’s historical role as Hispania under Roman rule, enriching understanding of the empire’s economic and political systems during this era.
The museum’s statement emphasizes that the exhibit provides invaluable information about the economic, social, and political dynamics of the Tetrarchy period, a critical historical moment that continues to be studied today. The display includes not only the coins but also a selection of bronze pieces coated with silver, showcasing the iconography of the nine emperors who ruled during this period. Additionally, seven unique specimens are highlighted for their exceptional craftsmanship and intricate designs.
Spain, known as Hispania in Ancient Rome, played a vital role in the Roman Empire, supplying essential mineral resources and serving as a strategic location during conflicts against Carthage. This discovery complements recent archaeological findings, such as the world’s oldest bottle of wine, unearthed in a Roman burial site in southern Spain last year. The free exhibition runs until September 28, offering the public an unprecedented opportunity to engage with one of the most significant Roman archaeological discoveries of the modern era.