2000 year old Roman coins found on deserted Swedish island

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Mar 2023 14:19
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Archeologists discover 2000-year-old Roman coins on the deserted Swedish island of Gotska Sandön.

A silver denarius showing the face of Roman emperor Trajan (r. 98-117 AD). (World History Encyclopedia)

2,000-year-old Roman coins were uncovered by archeologists on the Swedish desert island of Gotska Sandön. The discovery was made by a team of experts from Sodertorn University and the Gotland Museum. In a statement, Johan Rönnby, professor of marine archeology at Soderon University stated that “These are exciting finds that raise several questions.”

Archaeologists, to this day, have not been able to identify the historical role of the island within the Baltic region’s different historical eras. The island has been inhabited since the Stone ages, as seal bones, slaughter remains from cows, and a battle glove were previously excavated.

However, the two silver coins that have been recently found date back to the years 98-117 A.D during the reign of Emperor Trajan and 138-161 A.D during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius of the Roman Empire.

Johan Rönnby put out two theories regarding the groundbreaking discovery. The coins might have arrived at Gotska Sandon as a result of a shipwreck. Or, inversely, they could be related to hearths and remains of fireplaces found on the island 200 years ago.

Notably, a lighthouse keeper brought into question the history of the island after discovering a Roman coin in the 1800s. Unfortunately, the discovery was met with skepticism and the findings were dismissed.

Gotska Sandön is a 9-km long and 6-km wide island and part of the Gotland municipality, which is located in the Baltic Sea, 40 kilometers north of Fårö. Gotska Sandön has been a national park since 1909 and a tourist destination during the summer season due to its sandy beaches and pine tree scenery.