Archaeologists recently unearthed five Byzantine gold coins dating back to the reign of Justinian the Great during an excavation in the village of Debnevo, Bulgaria. The coins, found in the remains of a 10th-century house, are believed to have been discovered by medieval builders while constructing the dwelling. The discovery has sparked interest in the area, as the village is close to a fifth-century fortress and has been the site of excavation projects for the past five years.
The currency, which predates the structure by over 400 years, likely held significant value for the medieval residents who inhabited the house. Three of the coins are in excellent condition, while two are stuck together, possibly due to the fire that destroyed the dwelling later in the 10th century. The face of Justinian is visible on the coins, along with the inscription “Our Lord Justinian Perpetual Augustus” on the front and “Victory of the Augusts” on the back.
In addition to the gold coins, archaeologists found various artifacts including axes, sickles, ceramic vessels, and bronze rings during the excavation. Although these discoveries were noteworthy, the coins stood out as the most significant find of the project. This unexpected find adds to the growing number of ancient coin discoveries made by archaeologists in recent months, including ancient Greek gold coins in Turkey and a collection of silver coins in the Czech Republic.
Dr. Stiliyan Ivanov, the associate professor who announced the excavation, expressed his excitement over the interest generated by the discovery of the coins. He believes that the medieval residents likely kept the coins as heirlooms due to their value, even though they were outdated by the time the house was built. The site, which was abandoned after the fire destroyed the dwelling, continues to intrigue researchers as they uncover more about the history and life of the ancient village and its inhabitants.
The unexpected location of the coins has raised questions about trade, commerce, and wealth in the area during different periods of history. The presence of such valuable currency suggests a level of sophistication and interconnectedness with the wider world, as Byzantine coins were used for trade and commerce across various regions during Justinian’s reign. The find has provided valuable insights into the economic and social dynamics of the medieval village and its ties to the Byzantine Empire.
As archaeologists continue to explore the ancient site in Debnevo, more discoveries and insights into the past are likely to emerge. The uncovering of the Byzantine gold coins and other artifacts sheds light on the rich history of the region and adds another layer to our understanding of ancient civilizations. The excitement and interest generated by these finds highlight the importance of ongoing archaeological research in uncovering and preserving the remnants of our shared human heritage.
