In a remarkable archaeological find, an earthen jar brimming with gold was recently unearthed at the Kaliakra fortress in Bulgaria. Hidden beneath the floor of a room that succumbed to fire in the late 14th century, this discovery has sent ripples of excitement through the archaeological community.
The Bulgarian National Museum of History (NMH) revealed that the jar contained a treasure trove of 957 objects, including 873 silver coins, 28 gold coins, 11 gold earrings, and an array of ornaments, buttons, and rings. Among the precious artifacts were rings adorned with precious stones and gold, adding to the allure of this extraordinary find.
An earthen jar filled with gold was found on the floor of a room that had burned down.
The discovery of the treasure jar occurred during routine archaeological excavations spanning over 15 years at the Kaliakra fortress. Spearheaded by Associate Professor Boni Petrutnova, the 2018 excavation, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Kavarna Municipality, Bulgaria, and NMH, involved a collaborative effort of archaeologists from various institutions and universities.
Unveiling the significance of the coins found within the urn, experts noted their historical value, particularly those minted during the Ottoman and Bulgarian periods. The majority of the silver coins were attributed to the Ottoman Empire, dating back to the reigns of Sultan Bayazid Yildirum (1389-1402) and his predecessor, Sultan Murad I (1362-1389), making them highly coveted among numismatists.
Gold jewelry was found in the jar.
Delving into the possible origins of the treasure, archaeologists speculate that it was concealed during an attack on the capital of the Principality of Dobrudja at the close of the 14th century. It is believed that a nobleman, seeking to safeguard his wealth amidst the chaos of war, clandestinely stashed the treasures beneath the chamber’s floor before the structure was engulfed in flames.
The location of the discovery further adds to its intrigue, as the fortress stands atop ancient ruins and the surrounding area has yielded remnants of affluent individuals from the 14th century. This contextual insight provides a glimpse into the historical tapestry of the region, offering tantalizing clues about its past inhabitants and their way of life.
Archaeologists carefully removed each item from the treasure jar.
As archaeologists meticulously examine each artifact extracted from the treasure jar, the significance of this find reverberates far beyond its material value. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring allure of history, inviting us to unravel the mysteries of the past and unearth the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface of time.