A new exploratory dig just outside the Colosseum perimeter turned up an unexpected cache. Archaeologists found over two hundred Roman coins dating from the 5th century DC along with a large number of perfectly preserved bronze dice.
The find is considered of exceptional importance because it not only sheds light on the ancient Romans' gambling habits but also proves that the Amphitheatre Flavio (to give the Colosseum its proper name) was still being used well after the establishment of Christianity. At that point, however, there were no longer the costly spectacles and gladiator contests of earlier centuries, but mainly hunting shows with native wild animals like bears pitted against huntsmen, according to experts. The dice and coins show that the spectators were still numerous and that they liked to bet on the outcome of the contests.
Once the coins and dice have been cleaned and catalogued, they are expected to become part of the Colosseum museum collection.
Info: www.artslife.com
