2016-09-27 Tue

For the first time ever, ancient Roman coins have been excavated in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan from the ruins of Katsuren Castle which existed from the 12th century to the 15th.

Experts believe that the four copper Roman coins are 3 to 4 centuries old and they belong to the times when Okinawa’s trade with China and the Southeast Asian region was thriving. This find reinstates the link between Okinawa and the Western world.

Abrasion has faded the design of these coins with a diameter of 1.6 to 2 centimeters. X-ray examination reveals that the coins feature the image of Constantine I and a soldier holding a spear. A 17th-century coin from the Ottoman Empire and five round metallic products have also been discovered at the site.

Katsuren Castle was been listed as a World Heritage site in 2000 as part of the “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu”.

Uruma City Yonagusuku Historical Museum in central Okinawa would be displaying the coins till 25th November.