The Romans, and others, had all those gold coins and statues that we've all seen. I don't really understand how they mined it? I've seen Gold Rush shows where it takes an army of the heaviest machinery, months to come up with 1000 ounces of gold. How did they do it?

I can’t wrap my head around this at all. I’ve looked at base calculators and read a bit, but my mind isn’t grasping it.

Edit: You all are so smart and helpful! Thank you so much!