The Boscoreale Treasure is an extraordinary collection of Roman silverware and gold objects discovered in the remains of the Villa della Pisanella, near Pompeii in southern Italy. Comprising over 100 exquisite silver artifacts, gold jewelry, and more than 1,000 gold coins, this hoard represents the pinnacle of Roman craftsmanship and elite wealth. Today, most of the treasure resides in the Louvre Museum in Paris, with some pieces also housed in the British Museum.
Discovery of the Villa and Treasure
Boscoreale, located northwest of Pompeii, was home to the Villa della Pisanella, a grand Roman villa buried under volcanic ash after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Archaeological excavations, conducted over several seasons, uncovered a villa rustica spanning approximately 1,000 square meters. The estate consisted of both a residential area and farm buildings, indicating its use as a luxurious yet functional rural retreat.
Though the villa itself was first unearthed in 1876, it was not until April 13, 1895, that a significant find came to light. In the villa’s wine-pressing room, a vaulted box was discovered containing an astonishing array of silverware—109 items in total—as well as a leather pouch filled with approximately 1,000 gold aurei. The treasure was likely hidden intentionally in a desperate bid to safeguard it from the impending disaster.
Ownership and Trafficking
Historical research suggests that the last known owner of the silver hoard may have been a woman named Maxima, as her name appears inscribed on several vessels. A woman’s remains were found near the hoard, but there is no conclusive evidence to confirm her identity as Maxima. It is also theorized that the villa itself belonged to Lucius Caecilius Iucundus, a wealthy banker from Pompeii, possibly Maxima’s father. Given its opulence and craftsmanship, the Boscoreale Treasure is one of the most prestigious Roman silver collections ever discovered.
The Boscoreale Treasure continues to be a testament to Roman luxury, artistic mastery, and the tragic fate of Pompeii’s elite following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Despite its immense historical value, most of the treasure was illicitly removed from Italy and sold on the antiquities market. Baron Edmond de Rothschild, a French banker and art collector, acquired the majority of the collection and generously donated it to the Louvre Museum in 1896.
Description of the Treasure
The Boscoreale Treasure is a remarkable assemblage of silver and gold artifacts dating from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD. The collection includes intricately decorated silver cups, dishes, toiletry items, and jewelry, many of which were undoubtedly possessions of Rome’s elite. Several items bear inscriptions suggesting their ownership and use across generations.
Notable Items from the Treasure
Skyphos of Augustus
One of the most famous pieces in the collection is a silver skyphos (drinking cup) depicting Emperor Augustus. One side portrays Augustus seated, surrounded by his lictors and lieutenants, granting clemency to kneeling barbarians. The reverse side showcases the emperor among divine figures such as Venus, Cupid, and Mars, representing four conquered provinces. This masterpiece serves as both a functional object and a political statement of imperial authority.
Skyphos of Tiberius
Another significant silver skyphos portrays Tiberius, Augustus’ successor, during his triumphal procession through Rome. He is depicted in a horse-drawn chariot, holding a laurel branch and an eagle-tipped scepter. The reverse side illustrates a scene of Tiberius performing a bull sacrifice in front of a temple dedicated to Jupiter, reinforcing his legitimacy and connection to Rome’s divine traditions.
Skyphos depicting Augustus seated and receiving vanquished barbarians.
Depiction of Cleopatra Selene II
A particularly fascinating artifact is a silver dish featuring a gilded relief of a young woman wearing an elephant scalp—a strong symbol of Africa. Scholars widely believe this to be a posthumous portrait of Cleopatra Selene II, daughter of Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Mark Antony. The presence of an asp (cobra) and cornucopia further supports this interpretation. It is likely that her son, Ptolemy of Mauretania, commissioned this piece after her death in 6/5 BC.
Silver Cups with Skeletons
Two intriguing silver cups from the hoard depict skeletons of Greek poets, philosophers, and playwrights engaged in conversation beneath a garland of roses. These cups reflect a theme of mortality and intellectual legacy, possibly serving as reminders of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of knowledge and the arts.
Pair of Kantharoi with Squatting Boars
A unique pair of kantharoi (wine cups) features intricately sculpted reliefs of squatting boars. The detailed craftsmanship suggests they were high-status drinking vessels, likely used in elite social gatherings or religious ceremonies.
Toiletry Mirror of Leda and Jupiter
Another striking item in the treasure is a polished silver mirror, exquisitely crafted to provide a brilliant reflection. The back of the mirror is adorned with a relief depicting the mythological encounter between Leda and Jupiter, who appears in the form of a swan. This piece serves as both a practical item and a symbol of femininity and sensuality in Roman culture.
Oenochoe of a Goddess Sacrificing a Bull
An elaborately decorated oenochoe (wine jug) showcases a scene of a goddess performing a ritual bull sacrifice. The fine detailing highlights the religious and ceremonial significance of such objects in elite Roman households.
Gold Aurei of the Boscoreale Hoard
The treasure also includes over 1,000 gold aurei, with the most recent coins dating to AD 79—the year of Mount Vesuvius’ eruption. These coins display portraits of emperors such as Nero and Vespasian and bear intricate designs reflecting Roman propaganda. Interestingly, the intense heat from the volcanic eruption altered the composition of these coins, giving them a distinctive red toning, making them even more unique among numismatic collections.
Legacy and Significance
The Boscoreale Treasure is invaluable not only for its artistic and material worth but also for the insights it provides into Roman society, politics, and daily life. The quality of craftsmanship, choice of decorative themes, and the hoard’s overall composition suggest it belonged to an extremely wealthy and influential household.
Furthermore, the treasure reflects the broader cultural and political dynamics of the late Republic and early Imperial Rome. The presence of imperial imagery and references to conquered territories demonstrates how personal possessions were often used to reinforce social status and political allegiance.
