Українська
русский
Science

Five gold coins 2300 years old and remains of babies discovered in Tunisia at ancient cemetery (photo)

Anastasia Kryshchuk

Five gold coins 2300 years old and remains of babies discovered in Tunisia at ancient cemetery (photo)
Five 2300-year-old gold coins discovered in Tunisia at an ancient cemetery

In Tunisia, archaeologists discovered five gold coins 2300 years old at the site of an ancient burial ground. The remains of small children were also found nearby.

The researchers made the discovery during excavations in an area that was once part of the territory of ancient Carthage. It is reported by Newsweek.

Carthage was a large ancient city founded by the Phoenicians on the northern coast of Tunisia in the first millennium B.C. Carthage became the main rival of Rome, which eventually conquered and destroyed the city in 146 B.C.

Read also: A golden "disc of god" of the 5th century AD found in Denmark

In Carthage, there was a sacred place known as the "tophieth", which served as a burial place, especially for young children. Thousands of urns with the ashes of young children have previously been found at the site, which was originally dedicated to the deities Baal Hammon and Tanith.

Archaeologists in Tunisia discover five 2300-year-old gold coins and remains of babies. Source: Ministère des affaires culturelles Tunisie
Archaeologists in Tunisia discover five 2300-year-old gold coins and remains of babies. Source: Ministère des affaires culturelles Tunisie

The gold coins reflect the wealth of that historical period and confirm the value of the Carthaginian civilisation. The rare gold coins measure about an inch across and feature the face of Tanith, a symbol of motherhood, fertility and growth for the Carthaginians.

Archaeologists in Tunisia discover five 2300-year-old gold coins and remains of babies. Source: Ministère des affaires culturelles Tunisie
Archaeologists in Tunisia discover five 2300-year-old gold coins and remains of babies. Source: Ministère des affaires culturelles Tunisie

A medieval grave of a girl who was buried face down was discovered in England

If you want to get the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine, subscribe to our Telegram channel!