Lava Treasure

It is considered one of world's most important archaeological finds, and presents a unique testimony for the knowledge of Roman imperial coinage.

Altogether, about 1,400 coins were apparently found near Lava; of these, 450 have now been identified,[1] two-thirds of which belong to the reign of Aurelian.

Archaeologists believe that the gold was on a galley carrying an important official that sank after a fire on board, as it sailed along this coast.

There is some evidence that the most expensive piece of the hoard — a large golden statue of a youth — has been found, but it was later melted down by the illegal excavators for its gold value.

Three Corsican divers, Felix Biancamaria, his brother Angel, and their friend Marc Cotoni were involved in these finds, and were convicted in 1994 in court for illegal antiquity trade.