The saying goes that history is written in stone, but history can also have a surprise or two up its sleeve. Take for example, the recent discovery of four copper coins by the local board of education in Okinawa, Japan. Found in the ruins of Katsuren Castle, existing from the 12th to 15th centuries, these coins bear the face of Roman emperor Constantine I, who reigned in the early 4th century AD. It's the first time Roman coins have ever been discovered on any Japanese island, according to Japan Times.

Under x-ray analysis, archeologists could plainly see the image of Constantine I, who ruled Rome from 324 to 337 AD JIJI Getty Images

That makes sense. Currently, there is no known trade link between Japan and the Romans, and archeologists aren't sure exactly how the coins ended up on the tiny island of Okinawa. However, CNN reports, that the running theory is the coins made their way through other trade routes that linked Asia to the West during the Middle Ages, before Japan enforced closed country policies in 1641.

Chinese coins were also found at the same site, a country which was a frequent trading partner with Okinawa and also had marginal trade relations with ancient Rome. Many Roman coins have also been discovered on Chinese soil.

For now, the discovery remains a largely a mystery. But archeologists hope that under further analysis, we might find some answers.

Source: Japan Times via CNN

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