Ancient Roman coins and ornaments were recently unearthed from a wealthy family’s home in Histria. The treasure, consisting of over 40 coins and several ancient ornaments made of precious metals, has now been added to the National History Museum of Romania’s collections. The significance of the discovery was announced by the museum on August 23, highlighting the importance of the artifacts in understanding ancient Roman culture.
Historically, the site of Histria is a significant location, as it was an ancient Greek city located on the coast of the Black Sea. The discovery of the treasure, buried for centuries beneath the remains of this ancient city, has sparked considerable interest among archaeologists and history enthusiasts. The artifacts were found within the remains of a dwelling that had been destroyed by fire during the Roman period. This fire is believed to have preserved the items, as the wooden chest in which the valuables were stored fused together while retaining its shape.
The museum’s statement highlighted that the treasure was discovered in a context of an archaeological site that also included inscriptions, ceramic vessels, and various metal objects. The coins, though heavily corroded with a green and brown patina, still retain their original form, with traces of gold visible. The fact that the coins are part of a larger collection suggests they were part of a well-organized hoard rather than individual items.
Researchers believe the dwelling belonged to an important family from the mid-2nd century to the mid-3rd century AD, indicating that the treasure dates back to this period. This makes the find particularly significant for understanding the economic and cultural activities of Roman society during the Principate period. The presence of limestone pavements and painted walls further underscores the opulence of the structure, reflecting the wealth and lifestyle of the Roman elite.
The artifacts were then brought to the museum’s restoration laboratory for conservation work. After careful restoration, the collection was added to the museum’s holdings, where it will be available for public viewing and academic research. The discovery is part of a series of notable finds in Romania, where several ancient treasures have been uncovered in recent months, including a hoard of over 1,469 Roman coins found in a village in the spring and an ancient treasure discovered in the historic region of Transylvania.