During the construction of a new subway station in Piazza Venezia, Rome, archaeologists found 15th-century bronze medallions depicting Pope Paul II. They were hidden in the foundation of the Palazzo Venezia as part of an ancient building-laying ritual.
While working on the new subway station in central Rome’s Piazza Venezia, archaeologists discovered bronze medallions from 1465 featuring Pope Paul II. The artifacts were hidden inside a terracotta pot and placed in the foundation of the Palazzo Venezia as part of an ancient ritual for laying a building’s foundation.
The Palazzo Venezia was commissioned by Paul II in 1467 and served as his residence until the end of his pontificate. Archaeologists note that the tradition of hiding coins or medallions in foundations dates back to antiquity and symbolized a wish for luck and prosperity for the structure.
According to the archaeologist Marta Baumgartner, the find confirms that this custom was common in both large-scale architectural projects and private construction.
The medallions have already been cleaned and will be restored. Afterward, they will be displayed as museum exhibits at the new subway station.
