Roman artifacts dating back to the Roman era have been discovered at the ancient Histria site in Romania by archaeologists.
Archaeologists at the National Museum of History of Romania (MNIR) have made a significant discovery at the ancient site of Histria, shedding new light on the prosperity and daily life during the Roman era.
The treasure, discovered in the "Great Gate - Great Tower" sector of the city, includes over 40 coins and several precious-metal ornaments. The remains of the building, with limestone pavements and painted plaster walls, suggest it was a luxurious home belonging to a wealthy family during the Roman Principate. Alongside the treasure, archaeologists recovered numerous other artifacts, including inscriptions, ceramics, bronze, iron, glass, and stone objects.
The Roman house where the treasure was found was destroyed by fire between the mid-2nd and mid-3rd centuries AD. Researchers believe the valuables were stored in a wooden chest, which burned during the blaze, leaving the items fused together.
The MNIR research team, active in Histria since 2000, has been responsible for numerous discoveries spanning from the late Hellenistic era to the early Byzantine period. Excavations at the Histria site have been ongoing since 1914, coordinated by the "Vasile Pârvan" Institute of Archaeology in Bucharest. The latest discovery in Histria is one of the most important in recent decades.
Officials believe the items found will be classified as "Treasure" under Romania's cultural heritage law. The newly unearthed hoard has been transferred to the museum's restoration laboratory for conservation work. The discovery sheds new light on the prosperity of Roman Histria during the Roman era and provides a vivid glimpse into the prosperity (and sudden tragedies) of the city.
The MNIR research team has discovered streets, water infrastructure, large public and private buildings, and a wide range of artifacts in Histria. The discovery of the treasure sheds new light on life in the city during the Roman era.
Photos of the discovery are courtesy of the museum. The excavations at Histria are conducted in collaboration with national and regional institutions. However, the archaeologist team active in ancient Histria since 2000 is not named in the available search results.
The discovery in Histria is a testament to the rich history and culture of Romania during the Roman era. As the conservation work continues, we can expect to learn even more about this ancient city and its inhabitants.
