Historians and archaeologists have been working on the site for three years and have already discovered a large pool, votive objects, altars dedicated to various gods, a bas relief of a large bull and a splendid bronze putto.

The most recent discovery, revealed to ANSA by archaeologist Jacopo Tabolli, has signified that the baths originally belonged to the Etruscans and had been renovated by the ancient Romans.

The Roman mint was ordered to produce a trove of shiny coins made of silver, orichalcum and bronze, perhaps as part of the emperor’s own offerings to honour the gods.

“It’s a site without equal in Italy or in the ancient Mediterranean region,” Tabolli enthused.

“It’s an exceptional discovery because of the size of the area of the sanctuary, which is much larger than we could have imagined, with several holy buildings, altars and pools.”

What has astonished archaeologists is the quality and rarity of the objects that have emerged from the dig in recent weeks.

A bronze womb has been found, which has been dated to a series of years between the end of the Roman Republic and the start of the Roman Empire.

“Terracotta wombs are often found in Etruscan and Roman temples devoted to fertility,” Tabolli said.

“Bronze ones are extremely rare.”

A bronze ear, phallus and over 3000 freshly minted coins have also been discovered.

Objects found at the site suggests that the pool was used up until the 17th century for travellers wishing to cure their ills.

Archaeologists found evidence of a dramatic collapse in the area of the biggest bath in the final years of the 3rd century AD, where a sinkhole over two metres deep swallowed pools, buildings and colonnades.

The Romans attempted to fix the baths through painstaking restoration, though the event was interpreted as a ‘prodigium’ - a sign from the gods.

“In the heart of the sinkhole they erected a new altar and they built a new, small pool over the rubble,” Tabolli explained.

“They even carved steps to make it easier to get into.”

The Romans’ determination to fix the sacred space is a testament to the appeal of the area that has been loved and frequented for over 2000 years.

Excavations are due to resume in autumn.