A diver off the coast near Arzachena town in Sardinia, Italy, has uncovered a remarkable cache of fourth-century bronze coins, with initial assessments based on weight pointing to 30,000 to 50,000 pieces. The coins were found scattered across a sandy area between the beach and underwater seagrass. The team also suggested that fragments of amphorae likely came from workshops in Africa and parts of Asia, indicating trade movement through this route in late Roman times, according to a report in Earth.com.&nbsp;“The treasure found in the waters off Arzachena represents one of the most important coin discoveries,” in recent years, said Luigi La Rocca, general director of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape at Italy’s Ministry of Culture.&nbsp;The heritage of the government led archaeology to set the tone for the discovery, finding it an exact moment in the economy and politics of the Roman world, a time when new rulers and reforms reshaped daily transactions.<h3>Where were the coins found?</h3>These coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment.&nbsp;Researchers identified two primary scatter zones within sandy patches framed by thick seagrass. This natural boundary is significant, as the roots of the plants stabilise the sand while still leaving coins and pottery fragments partly exposed at the surface.&nbsp;Among the findings are broken amphorae, suggesting the site was linked to active trade routes across the Mediterranean. With some vessels originating from North Africa and others from the eastern provinces, the evidence indicates that merchants were combining goods from multiple regions on a single journey.<h3>What coins tell us about money?</h3>Most of the coins are follis, a sizeable bronze piece introduced during Diocletian’s monetary reform. The earliest examples weighed close to ten grams and were coated with a thin layer of silver, an attempt to make base metal appear more valuable.&nbsp;As time passes, a signal of the pressures any empire faces while trying to fund armies, bureaucracy, and public works, the silvering and weight slipped. However, the face value of the coins kept everyday trade moving even as the metal content declined.&nbsp;By the early fourth century, folles served as a common currency across the Roman Empire. A sailor settling his bill used the same denomination a farmer used inland, making hoards like this valuable for historians in tracing the circulation and reach of currency.&nbsp;Though small in size, coins provide rich historical insights. Their images, inscriptions, and mint marks reveal rulers, political messages, and minting locations. Studying collections highlights broader patterns, such as links between coin surges and military or political events, or trade routes across seas.&nbsp;Metal composition and corrosion layers preserve environmental traces, while striking marks shed light on ancient minting techniques and workshop practices, making coins vital tools for historical research.

The coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment.

A diver off the coast near Arzachena town in Sardinia, Italy, has uncovered a remarkable cache of fourth-century bronze coins, with initial assessments based on weight pointing to 30,000 to 50,000 pieces. The coins were found scattered across a sandy area between the beach and underwater seagrass. The team also suggested that fragments of amphorae likely came from workshops in Africa and parts of Asia, indicating trade movement through this route in late Roman times, according to a report in Earth.com. “The treasure found in the waters off Arzachena represents one of the most important coin discoveries,” in recent years, said Luigi La Rocca, general director of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape at Italy’s Ministry of Culture. The heritage of the government led archaeology to set the tone for the discovery, finding it an exact moment in the economy and politics of the Roman world, a time when new rulers and reforms reshaped daily transactions. Where were the coins found? These coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment. Researchers identified two primary scatter zones within sandy patches framed by thick seagrass. This natural boundary is significant, as the roots of the plants stabilise the sand while still leaving coins and pottery fragments partly exposed at the surface. Among the findings are broken amphorae, suggesting the site was linked to active trade routes across the Mediterranean. With some vessels originating from North Africa and others from the eastern provinces, the evidence indicates that merchants were combining goods from multiple regions on a single journey. What coins tell us about money? Most of the coins are follis, a sizeable bronze piece introduced during Diocletian’s monetary reform. The earliest examples weighed close to ten grams and were coated with a thin layer of silver, an attempt to make base metal appear more valuable. As time passes, a signal of the pressures any empire faces while trying to fund armies, bureaucracy, and public works, the silvering and weight slipped. However, the face value of the coins kept everyday trade moving even as the metal content declined. By the early fourth century, folles served as a common currency across the Roman Empire. A sailor settling his bill used the same denomination a farmer used inland, making hoards like this valuable for historians in tracing the circulation and reach of currency. Though small in size, coins provide rich historical insights. Their images, inscriptions, and mint marks reveal rulers, political messages, and minting locations. Studying collections highlights broader patterns, such as links between coin surges and military or political events, or trade routes across seas. Metal composition and corrosion layers preserve environmental traces, while striking marks shed light on ancient minting techniques and workshop practices, making coins vital tools for historical research.

The coins were discovered off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, near present-day Arzachena. The seabed in this region forms a shallow shelf, allowing currents to disperse objects across a wide area without quickly burying them beneath layers of sediment.

Amateur diver unearths 50,000 ancient 4th-century Roman coins beneath sea sand in Italy

Donald Trump has been elected as the new president of United States and his return to the White House has led to mixed reactions. There are several people, including celebrities, who have talked about leaving the country after his win. They say they don't see a future anymore with the reins in Trump's hands again.

The Italian island of Sardinia is going all out to woo people to move there. Ollolai in rural Italy is faced with economic decline and a depleting population. It has been trying to get people to move there and is offering to sell houses for only one euro to attract outsiders.&nbsp;

Now that it has seen how some Americans are unhappy to see Trump win, it has launched a website aimed at would-be American expats. Cheap homes are being offered to those who want to leave the US and Sardinia officials are hoping that people will quickly take up the properties.

The website is selling a "balanced lifestyle" and "opportunities" to prospective residents. “Are you worned (sic) out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities?” the website asks. “It’s time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia.”

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While it doesn't say anywhere that it was set up after the US election results, Mayor Francesco Columbu told CNN that the website was created to attract American voters. He is hopeful that Americans will help revive Sardinia.

<h2>Americans will be given preference</h2>

He told CNN that while people from other countries are also welcome, the process will be fast-tracked for Americans.

“We can’t of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card.”

“Of course, we can’t specifically mention the name of one US president who just got elected, but we all know that he’s the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now and leave the country,” Columbo adds.

On offer are three tiers of accommodation - Digital nomads can take up free temporary homes, homes in a dilapidated state on offer for one euro, and ready-to-occupy houses for prices up to 100,000 euros ($105,000).

Columbu adds that assistance will be provided to the buyers at every step. There will be tailored private tours and people will also be provided with a list of contractors, and builders, besides help with the required paperwork.

Ollolai only has about 1,150 residents right now. The population has shrunk from 2,250 to 1,300 in the past century. People have left the island because of the economic conditions.

Donald Trump has been elected as the new president of United States and his return to the White House has led to mixed reactions. There are several people, including celebrities, who have talked about leaving the country after his win.

Donald Trump has been elected as the new president of United States and his return to the White House has led to mixed reactions. There are several people, including celebrities, who have talked about leaving the country after his win. They say they don't see a future anymore with the reins in Trump's hands again. The Italian island of Sardinia is going all out to woo people to move there. Ollolai in rural Italy is faced with economic decline and a depleting population. It has been trying to get people to move there and is offering to sell houses for only one euro to attract outsiders. Now that it has seen how some Americans are unhappy to see Trump win, it has launched a website aimed at would-be American expats. Cheap homes are being offered to those who want to leave the US and Sardinia officials are hoping that people will quickly take up the properties. The website is selling a "balanced lifestyle" and "opportunities" to prospective residents. “Are you worned (sic) out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities?” the website asks. “It’s time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia.” Also Read: Korea's 4B movement attracts American women after Trump wins. What is it? While it doesn't say anywhere that it was set up after the US election results, Mayor Francesco Columbu told CNN that the website was created to attract American voters. He is hopeful that Americans will help revive Sardinia. Americans will be given preference He told CNN that while people from other countries are also welcome, the process will be fast-tracked for Americans. “We can’t of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card.” “Of course, we can’t specifically mention the name of one US president who just got elected, but we all know that he’s the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now and leave the country,” Columbo adds. On offer are three tiers of accommodation - Digital nomads can take up free temporary homes, homes in a dilapidated state on offer for one euro, and ready-to-occupy houses for prices up to 100,000 euros ($105,000). Columbu adds that assistance will be provided to the buyers at every step. There will be tailored private tours and people will also be provided with a list of contractors, and builders, besides help with the required paperwork. Ollolai only has about 1,150 residents right now. The population has shrunk from 2,250 to 1,300 in the past century. People have left the island because of the economic conditions.

Americans 'unhappy' with Trump's win can buy dirt-cheap homes on this tiny Italian island

Climate change is impacting humans and nature alike...In this report we bring you the story from Sardinia where sheep farmers battle bluetongue as climate warms..

Sardinia's Sheep Farmers Battle Bluetongue; 3,000 Outbreaks Recorded So Far This Year

Tens of thousands of Roman coins, what appear to be spoils of war, have been discovered in the sea near the northeast coast of Sardinia, the Italian Ministry of Culture&nbsp;said on Saturday (Nov&nbsp;4).&nbsp;The ministry said that the coins date from the early 4th century AD and are mainly a bronze follis type made in the Roman tradition.&nbsp;

The ministry contacted authorities from the Superintendency of Archaeology and the Carabineros after the divers found the treasure among sea grass along the Mediterranean island's north-east coast. Divers from an art protection team and the ministry's undersea archaeology department were dispatched to investigate.&nbsp;

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As reported by Heritage Daily, estimates say&nbsp;that the bronze coins are between 30,000 and 50,000, which are said to be "in an exceptional and rare state of conservation". &nbsp;The estimation is based on the total weight of the find.&nbsp;

As per the report, a chronological analysis places the timeline of the coins between AD 324 (coinage of Licinius), and AD 340 (coinage of Constantine the Great).&nbsp;

As quoted, the ministry explained: "The restoration and conservation operations of the coins and materials found will allow us to expand and deepen our knowledge of the context of the finds from which a lot of information can still be extracted."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/china-develops-drone-with-human-brain-capable-of-engaging-in-group-chats-655677">Chinese scientists develop drone with 'human brain' capable of engaging in 'group chats'</a>&nbsp;

Luigi La Rocca, who is the head of the Italian Directorate of Archaeology, said: "The treasure represents one of the most important numismatic discoveries in recent years and highlights once again the richness and importance of the archaeological heritage that hides in the depths of our seas."&nbsp;

La Rocca also hailed the find as one of the most significant coin discoveries in recent times. He believes it demonstrates the wealth and significance of the archaeological heritage buried beneath the seafloor.

The ministry added the treasure trove was far bigger than the cache found in 2013 in the United Kingdom when 22,888 similar coins were discovered near the site of a Roman fort in the southwest county of Devon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Tens of thousands of Roman coins, what appear to be spoils of war, have been discovered in the sea near the northeast coast of Sardinia, the Italian Ministry of Culture said on Saturday (Nov 4).

Tens of thousands of Roman coins, what appear to be spoils of war, have been discovered in the sea near the northeast coast of Sardinia, the Italian Ministry of Culture said on Saturday (Nov 4). The ministry said that the coins date from the early 4th century AD and are mainly a bronze follis type made in the Roman tradition. The ministry contacted authorities from the Superintendency of Archaeology and the Carabineros after the divers found the treasure among sea grass along the Mediterranean island's north-east coast. Divers from an art protection team and the ministry's undersea archaeology department were dispatched to investigate. Also read: Florida shopper shocked after ‘Halloween skull’ turns out to be real As reported by Heritage Daily, estimates say that the bronze coins are between 30,000 and 50,000, which are said to be "in an exceptional and rare state of conservation". The estimation is based on the total weight of the find. As per the report, a chronological analysis places the timeline of the coins between AD 324 (coinage of Licinius), and AD 340 (coinage of Constantine the Great). As quoted, the ministry explained: "The restoration and conservation operations of the coins and materials found will allow us to expand and deepen our knowledge of the context of the finds from which a lot of information can still be extracted." Also read: Chinese scientists develop drone with 'human brain' capable of engaging in 'group chats' Luigi La Rocca, who is the head of the Italian Directorate of Archaeology, said: "The treasure represents one of the most important numismatic discoveries in recent years and highlights once again the richness and importance of the archaeological heritage that hides in the depths of our seas." La Rocca also hailed the find as one of the most significant coin discoveries in recent times. He believes it demonstrates the wealth and significance of the archaeological heritage buried beneath the seafloor. The ministry added the treasure trove was far bigger than the cache found in 2013 in the United Kingdom when 22,888 similar coins were discovered near the site of a Roman fort in the southwest county of Devon. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian divers unearth tens of thousands of ancient coins, possibly from 4th-century shipwreck

Sardinia, a large Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea is successfully merging recycling and protection of endangered migratory birds. Wondering how? It is a project involving an artificial islet made out of mussel farming waste.

Safe haven for endangered migratory birds | WION Climate Tracker

If you’ve ever fantasised about moving to an Italian island, now’s your chance. Sardinia is offering people a mammoth €15,000 to relocate. But there's a catch. Molly Gambhir tells you.

WION Fineprint | Why is Sardania paying people to relocate?

Floods in the Nuoro province of Italy's Sardinia island have left at least three people killed. According to the local media, one person has gone missing.

Heavy rains rocked Sardinia early on Saturday, causing floods and mudslides, with Nuoro's Bitti city facing the worst consequences.

La Nuova Sardegna newspaper reported electricity and internet blackouts in the city as rescue teams struggle to tackle the disaster.

A 55-year-old farmer was killed by a landslide and a 90-year-old man died at home, according to Italian news agency ANSA, while emergency services are still searching for the body a woman in her nineties.

Rivers of mud blocked roads all across Nuovo, forcing the authorities to close schools and parks, according to the report. The weather forecast promises an improvement by Sunday afternoon.

In Bitti,&nbsp;streets were turned into rivers of mud which covered cars and flooded cellars, video footage showed.

“The situation in Bitti has been particularly dramatic,” regional environment councillor Gianni Lampis told reporters. “We have been informed by the mayor that two people have died and some are still missing,” Lampis added.

He said a red weather alert had been issued with heavy rains expected to hit the whole of the island on Sunday.

Floods in the Nuoro province of Italy's Sardinia island have left at least three people killed. According to the local media, one person has gone missing. Heavy rains rocked Sardinia early on Saturday, causing floods and mudslides, with Nuoro's Bitti city facing the worst consequences.

Floods in the Nuoro province of Italy's Sardinia island have left at least three people killed. According to the local media, one person has gone missing. Heavy rains rocked Sardinia early on Saturday, causing floods and mudslides, with Nuoro's Bitti city facing the worst consequences. La Nuova Sardegna newspaper reported electricity and internet blackouts in the city as rescue teams struggle to tackle the disaster. A 55-year-old farmer was killed by a landslide and a 90-year-old man died at home, according to Italian news agency ANSA, while emergency services are still searching for the body a woman in her nineties. Rivers of mud blocked roads all across Nuovo, forcing the authorities to close schools and parks, according to the report. The weather forecast promises an improvement by Sunday afternoon. In Bitti, streets were turned into rivers of mud which covered cars and flooded cellars, video footage showed. “The situation in Bitti has been particularly dramatic,” regional environment councillor Gianni Lampis told reporters. “We have been informed by the mayor that two people have died and some are still missing,” Lampis added. He said a red weather alert had been issued with heavy rains expected to hit the whole of the island on Sunday.

At least three people killed by flooding in Italy's Sardinia island

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