Archaeologists in Bulgaria have discovered five gold coins dating back to the time of the emperor Justinian the Great (ruled from A.D. 527 to 565). Uncovering coins during excavations is not uncommon, however, the unique placement of these coins on the floor of a 10th-century house hints that the medieval inhabitants treasured them as an heirloom or artifact.
The recent find took place during an archaeological dig in the village of Debnevo in northern Bulgaria. The ongoing excavations in Debnevo and the neighboring fortress have revealed remnants of a large settlement from the fourth to third century B.C., as well as evidence of habitation from the fourth to sixth centuries A.D. when the area belonged to the Byzantine Empire.
The Unusual Discovery
During the expedition, archaeologists unearthed a medieval dwelling in Debnevo that had been severely damaged by fire. It seemed that the occupants abandoned their residence after the fire in the 10th century. Among the recovered items were iron tools such as sickles and axes, a belt buckle, ceramic vessels, and three bronze rings, along with the five gold coins that predated the house by around 400 years.
Justinian the Great, under whose reign the gold coins were minted, oversaw the expansion of the Byzantine Empire to its greatest territorial extent in the mid-sixth century following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Apart from political accomplishments, Justinian was known for his codification of Roman laws and the promotion of new art and architectural styles that defined the Byzantine era.
Insight into Byzantine History
The coins, all the same type called “tremissis,” depict the emperor on one side wearing a pearl diadem and Victory holding symbols in her hands on the other side. The inscriptions honor Justinian as “Perpetual Augustus” and commemorate the “Victory of the Augusts.” Remarkably, two of the coins were found fused together, likely due to the fire that ravaged the dwelling.
Stiliyan Ivanov, the expedition leader, suggested that the coins were discovered during the construction of the early medieval dwelling, likely indicating that the owners valued them for their gold content.
The Historical Significance
Despite its modest size, Debnevo boasts a rich history dating back to 5000 B.C. The archaeological findings in the area offer a glimpse into the continuous human presence from ancient times through the medieval period to the more recent past.
