This first section gathers archaeological finds of local provenance.

Though recent, San Marino systematic archaeological research has brought to light several finds displayed in the State Museum and, above all, has led to a better knowledge of the ancient history of the territory, inhabited since the Stone Age and seat of small Villanovan and Roman settlements. Moreover, recent excavations have revealed some close links between ancient history and some elements of the (legend of Founder Saint  Marino) .

In 1997, some excavation works in an area called Poggio Castellano brought to light the remains of a sub-circular hut dating back to the second half of the 8th century B.C. (Room I)

Clay and bronze ex-votos and coins found in the excavations carried out between 1990 and 1994 testify to the presence on Mount Titano, in an area called Tanaccia, of an highly frequented rocky sanctuary with medical and thaumaturgic functions, from the 5th century B.C. to the 1st century A.D. (Room I) 

In the surrounding hills, excavations brought to light numerous Roman rural settlements, some of which characterised by a residential sector (site of Domagnano), as well as some areas for the production of bricks, tiles and pottery (Maiano, Ca’ Rigo); the recent discovery in Roman settlements of manufactured products in local stone confirms the exploitation of stone quarries on Mount Titano already at that time.

In some cases, as for the site in Domagnano, archaeological surveys have demonstrated that these places have been inhabited, without interruptions, until the period of the Goths. (Room II)

The presence of the Goths in San Marino seems also confirmed by the discovery of the so-called “Treasure of Domagnano”, made up of numerous pieces of jewellery of exquisite workmanship dated between the 5th and 6th centuries and discovered by accident near the village of Domagnano in the late 19th century. (Room III)

Some documents testify to the existence in San Marino of a monasterium since the 6th century. Probably, this was the initial nucleus of the town and its ancient Basilica, which was demolished and rebuilt in the 19th century. The architectural elements and a beautiful renaissance polyptych by Francesco Menzocchi (approx. 1530) here on display come from the Basilica. (Room IV)

Many Medieval traces are present in San Marino, as evidenced by the structure of the city and of the villages, the boundary walls, the towers and the fortifications for the defence of the territory and of its institutions. During the Middle Ages, moreover, San Marino started asserting its liberty, already claimed since the 9th century (with the famous “Placito Feretrano”) and the Republic’s institutions began to take shape.

Unfortunately, in this Museum only few Medieval items are displayed, such as some architectural elements of unknown provenance and some excavation findings, best represented by the finds of Castellaro di Casole. (Room III)