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Archaeologists Find 800+ Roman Coins in Rhône River near Arles

A trove of 800+ Roman coins, including a rare Trajan sestertius, discovered in the Rhône River near Arles. This find adds to our understanding of the region's Roman past.

At the bottom of the image there is a wooden surface with coins. On the wooden surface there is a...
At the bottom of the image there is a wooden surface with coins. On the wooden surface there is a black cloth with cards and a glass with liquid in it.

Archaeologists Find 800+ Roman Coins in Rhône River near Arles

Archaeologists have unearthed a trove of over 800 Roman coins from the Rhône River near Arles, France. This remarkable discovery is the latest in a series of finds along the river, including an ancient barge and a marble bust believed to be of Julius Caesar.

The coins, mostly dating to the third century C.E., were found bit by bit during an underwater expedition in 2025. Among them was a rare sestertius of Roman emperor Trajan, minted in 116 C.E. Archaeologists suspect the coins were once held in a treasure chest that remains undiscovered. The largest batch found was approximately 600. Arles, with its rich Roman history, was a thriving economic hub and port city under Roman rule from 123 B.C.E. Many Roman structures, such as an amphitheater and a theatre, still stand today. Archaeologists hope to continue making discoveries in the Rhône River for years to come.

The discovery of over 800 Roman coins in the Rhône River at Arles adds to the region's understanding of its rich Roman past. The coins, dating back centuries, provide valuable insights into the daily life and currency of the Roman Empire. Archaeologists look forward to future discoveries along the river.

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