Uncovering the Secrets of Senon: A 1,800-Year-Old Roman Hoard in France

Located in northeastern France, the town of Senon has a rich history dating back to the ancient times. Archaeologists from France's National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP) have recently made a groundbreaking discovery in Senon, unearthing a staggering 25,000 Roman coins from the 3rd century CE.

The hoard, consisting of bronze and copper coins, was found in three ceramic jars buried beneath the floorboards of what is believed to be a residential area. According to Vincent Geneviève, an INRAP numismatist, the coins bear the faces of emperors like Victorinus, Tetricus I, and Tetricus II, the rulers of the short-lived Gallic Empire that broke away from Rome in the 3rd century.

The discovery is significant not only because of the sheer number of coins but also because of what it reveals about the life of people in Senon during the late Roman Empire. As Geneviève notes, 'It is not certain that these are 'treasures' that were hidden during a period of insecurity.' Instead, the vessels may have functioned as household banks – places where money was stored, withdrawn, and redeposited over time.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the discovery is the fact that the coins were found in the same area as a Roman fortification from the same period, just 150 meters away. This raises questions about the role of soldiers or local administrators in managing the deposits. It also highlights the complex and often chaotic nature of life in Senon during the 3rd century.

The excavation, which spans 1,500 square meters, has peeled back the layers of Senon's past, revealing how the settlement evolved from a Gallic village into a thriving Roman town. The site has yielded numerous artifacts, including old buildings, pits, ditches, and postholes that once supported wooden walls and clay structures. According to INRAP, the tightly packed structures – sometimes more than one structure per square meter – show that Senon was already a densely built settlement before the Roman conquest.

Traces of the old buildings date to between the mid-2nd century BCE, when the region belonged to the Mediomatrici, a Celtic people whose capital was at Divodurum Mediomatricorum, modern-day Metz, France. After the Romans under Julius Caesar conquered the Gauls, everything changed, and Senon entered a new phase of expansion. Archaeologists have identified more than a dozen small limestone quarries, some nearly three meters deep, carved behind houses and later repurposed for storage or domestic use.

These extraction pits fueled a construction boom that lasted centuries. By the late first century CE, Senon's recently excavated neighborhood took on its enduring shape. Two paved streets bordered rows of stone houses with lime floors, hypocaust heating, ovens, and cellars. Courtyards spread out behind them, sometimes used for workshops.

The well-built houses and everyday objects found on the site suggest that Senon's residents at the site were relatively well-off, likely artisans or merchants. However, the good times didn't last long. Layers of ash tell of fires that swept through the district. One blaze around the early 4th century marks a turning point.

It was during this turbulent time – perhaps between 280 and 310 CE – that someone buried three large amphorae of coins beneath their floorboards. Each vessel lay sunk into the ground, their necks level with the floor. Inside were tens of thousands of bronze and copper coins bearing the faces of emperors like Victorinus, Tetricus I, and Tetricus II.

The discovery of the coin hoard is a significant addition to our understanding of the economic and social history of Senon during the late Roman Empire. It highlights the complexity and nuance of life in ancient times, where money and transactions played a vital role in the functioning of communities.

As the excavation continues to unfold, it is clear that Senon has many more secrets to share with us. The discovery of the coin hoard is a testament to the dedication and expertise of archaeologists and researchers who work tirelessly to uncover the past and bring it to life. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about the ancient world, Senon is a site that is sure to captivate and inspire.