Roman Complex found in Cham-Oberwill, Switzerland

[guy]

A large Roman complex has been found in Cham, Switzerland:

 

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In addition to the complex’s foundation walls, the team have found everyday objects and high status finds – such as imported Roman tableware (terra sigillata from Italy and Gaul), a gold fragment, coins, glass vessels, pieces of amphorae, and large numbers of iron nails from a wooden construction.

 

 

 

 

https://www.heritagedaily.com/2023/08/archaeologists-uncover-large-roman-complex-in-gravel-quarry/148387

Edited August 31 by guy

[guy]

Looking at the picture more closely, I can see the famous Caesar denarius with an elephant thought to be trampling on a snake.

 

 

 

Here’s a better example of a similar coin (from NGC Collectors Society) as well as the background information:

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These coins have huge historical importance – they were minted by Caesar to pay his troops, to fight the civil war that led to the setting up of the Roman Empire.

The symbol of an elephant on the obverse has three possible meanings, all pointing to Caesar striking this coin as part of self-promotion: 1) Legend had it that the founder of Caesar’s family killed an elephant single-handedly.  2) Caesar’s rival Pompey had recently tried to enter Rome on a chariot drawn by 4 elephants, since the gate was too narrow, the entrance was a huge flop. This coin was designed to highlight Pompey’s shortcomings. 3) The elephant represents the might of Caesar and his legions, trampling a snake which represents the enemy. The elephant defeating  the snake is symbolizing the fight of good versus evil.

 

https://www.londonmintoffice.org/blog/26-coin-of-the-week/252-coin-of-the-week-the-caius-julius-caesar-elephant-denarius

 

https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/coinview.aspx?sc=339962

 

Edited August 31 by guy