Un ripostiglio di tessere di piombo dalla chiesa medievale di San Salvatore in Portico
In: Bullettino della Commissione Archeologica Comunale di Roma: 122, 2021
DOI: 10.48255/J.BCAR.CXXII.2021.02
New archaeological research in the sacred area of S. Omobono brought to the light a very unusual numismatic finding: 38 lead tokens were recovered in a recess, probably destined to the conservation of relics. It was situated under the altar of the medieval church of S. Salvatore in Portico installed in the cella of the eastern temple (Temple B). The tokens can be dated between the thirteenth and mid-fifteenth centuries AD on the grounds of numismatic comparanda and stratigraphic data. The specific context of discovery points to a close connection of the tokens with the ecclesiastical sphere, possibly as a sort of ‘vouchers’ for canons or members of the Compagnia di S. Maria in Portico, who were entitled to food distribution, or, as an alternative, religious medals blessed ex contactu by the relics preserved under the altar, similar to pilgrim insignia. The functional relationship with pilgrims would also be supported by the church’s connection with the Ospedale di S. Maria in Portico.